Brave teen leads charge for Perth kids’ hospital fundraiser

Nedlands teenager Ben Gregory has helped shine a spotlight on the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation’s first Give for Kids Day, using his own remarkable story to inspire generosity across WA.

The 14-year-old, who survived a rare brain tumour and a stroke that once left doctors fearing he might never walk again, was a key face of the September 19 fundraiser.

Ben told his story publicly in the lead-up to the event, sharing how a routine eye test when he was 12 uncovered the tumour and how, after multiple surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he has now returned to sport and school.

“I want to support Give for Kids Day because I think it’s really important that kids going through it have the best treatment, so they can come out the other end healthy,” he said.

“Raising money for kids going through tough times makes me feel really good, because I know what it feels like, and having that support is amazing.”

His mum Kate said his positive attitude never wavered — even during gruelling months of treatment.

“He missed most of Year 8, but now he’s back and thriving,” she said.

“He never once complained, never said ‘why me’. Even during chemo, when he was vomiting, he had a smile on his face.”

Ben, who ended up reaching his goal of raising $20,000, was praised by PCHF chief executive Carrick Robinson who said his determination was “a powerful reminder that for many kids, recovery doesn’t end when treatment finishes”.

The fundraiser, which raised more than $370,000, was backed by dollar-for-dollar donors including AngloGold Ashanti, Circuit Solution, Lions Festival for Disadvantaged Children Inc., PLS Australia and Technical Resources.

Mr Robinson said the funds would go towards areas in the hospital that needed it the most.

“Funds raised during Give for Kids Day will be directed towards the area of greatest need, whether that be advancing research, enhancing equipment, or improving patient experiences at PCH,” he said.

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll be reviewing what Give for Kids Day might look like in 2026.”

Ben’s family say they are proud he has turned his own experience into something positive for others.

“It was the last thing I was expecting when he was diagnosed,” Ms Gregory said. “But he has shown such strength, and now he’s using that to help other kids.”