Saving cancer kids from isolation

Lion Hearts Learning
Humble. Selfless. Dedicated

Devoted dad Matthew Townsend and his wife, Jolyn Phillips, started Lion Hearts Learning to give children in South Adelaide a free super-hygienic place to interact with others while undergoing cancer treatment.

The charity is like a second full-time job for Matthew, whose daughter Codee-Jo was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of two. One of the challenges was that she could not attend a regular playschool because children undergoing cancer treatment have severely compromised immune systems and must be kept physically distanced from others to prevent infection.

Lionhearts provides free playgroups to cancer children and their siblings. All toys are cleaned before and after every session, and nobody attends if they are unwell.

“There are so many children and families in the same position as us, and I just want to ensure we can help them to receive support,” says Matthew.

“Lion Hearts Learning is a place oncology kids can come to learn, have fun and play with their friends.

“I feel proud to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. It makes me just want to do more and get the Lion Hearts Learning name out there so we can continue to help children and families in need,” says Matthew.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Lion Hearts Learning will use its funds to pay staff and other operational costs, including mailing resources to children who attend online from hospital or home.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here