A tribute to Claire Davies-Regional Telethon Child 2008

As the first-ever Regional Telethon Child, Claire represented sick children across WA in the lead up to last years Telethon.

Claire Davies was a very bright and very brave 13 year old girl. She suffered from a terminal Congenital Heart condition, which is found in only one person in one million. Claire was diagnosed with the heart defect when she was six weeks old.

Claire had become a regular patient at PMH and had endured more than 5 high-risk open heart surgeries during her young life, the most risky being recent surgery in January which left Claire in a two week coma that claimed her right leg.

Despite all that she had been through, she still managed to have a dry sense of humour and a fantastic personality while leaving a positive impression on the people she met. She was a true fighter in every sense of the word.

Claire was nominated to be the Regional Child by the Support Co-ordinator of Heart Kids WA, Cecilia Donovan though apparently Claire herself asked her parents how she could become the ‘The Telethon Child’.

Claire performed various Telethon duties across the state in an effort to raise as much money for sick children, her enthusiasm was infectious.

Sadly our beautiful Telethon child and much loved Capel resident Claire Davies passed away on Saturday 7th February 2009. Her mother Vicki Davies said Claire lived a normal happy life until the very end.

“She grew up in a beautiful town with beautiful people,” Mrs Davies said.

Mrs Davies said it was hard losing her daughter, but glad Claire slipped away peacefully – something they could not guarantee when they were told Claire was terminal.

On being asked about her Telethon duties prior to the Telethon weekend Claire said she was most looking forward to helping the kids raise money for other sick kids.

“She always thought of other people,” Mrs Davies said. 

“We never realised how many hearts she touched.”