The young heroes lighting up Telethon 2025

Jordan, Xavier, Paige and Izzy couldn’t hide their smiles when they were named this year’s Little Telethon Stars.

The four young West Australians will take centre stage at Telethon in October, inspiring the community to dig deep and support sick kids just like them. 

So who are these Little Telethon Stars? 

Izzy, 5  
Tuart Forest Primary School 

Cheeky and sparkly, Izzy had only just finished radiotherapy when she learned she’d be part of the 2025 Little Star lineup. 

Diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma at four, Izzy and her family relocated from Australind to Perth for treatment.  

Some of the hardest moments for Izzy have been the long stretches in hospital during her stem cell transplant, when she couldn’t leave her room to play or see her friends.  

But through it all, her fun-loving spirit has remained. 

Despite the challenges, her mum Kim says Izzy still finds joy in little things, like shaving her mum’s head when she began losing her own hair. 

“It will feel like the world has stopped, and your heart may be shattered, but you are not alone. “You don’t need all the answers right away. Just take it day by day,” Izzy’s mum Kim told Telethon.  

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Jordan, 9
St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School 

Jordan lights up every room he walks into. The Year 4 student was born with a rare genetic condition called DDCH syndrome (deafness, dystonia, cerebral hypomyelination), which affects his muscle tone, movement, development and hearing. 

Despite multiple surgeries and weekly physio, Jordan doesn’t let anything hold him back. He’s social, full of energy and has discovered a love of music. 
 
“I think his passion for music has definitely helped his speech,” Jordan’s mother Taryn told Telethon.  

“He’s full of energy and he’s a very determined boy and I think the way he is has helped him become stronger because he wants to do things. 
 
“He brings a lot of joy, so I am hoping that Western Australia gets to see how amazing he is.” 

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Paige, 8
Georgiana Molloy Anglican School 

Animal lover Paige is happiest when she’s horse riding, dog sledding or hitting the surf. Born with cerebral palsy, she didn’t walk independently until she was four and sometimes still uses a walker or wheelchair. 

Her cerebral palsy means she has also faced, and overcome, challenges that the average eight-year-old knows nothing about.  

Speaking with Telethon, Paige’s mum Natalie says she takes it in her stride. 

“She has always said she wanted to be famous,” she said.  

“I think she’ll really love being a Little Telethon Star.” 

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Xavier, 8 
Wirrabirra Primary School 

Xavier was born premature at 32 weeks and at 18-months old was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Those around him once wondered if he’d ever walk. 

Thanks to Telethon-funded services at Perth Children’s Hospital and the White Zebra Foundation, and Xavier’s own determination, he has achieved milestones once thought uncertain. 

He has learned to walk in a frame, then mastered riding a custom bike, and now runs. He loves to go fast!  

 “He has a huge heart, he always cares about everyone else before himself,” Xavier's mother Lesa told 7 News Perth.  

The 58th annual Telethon will be held on 18-19 October at RAC Arena. This year’s theme is Incredible Together. 

Tickets to the opening and closing shows go on sale 9 September via Ticketek. 

Schools can also get involved by joining the Premier’s Telethon Challenge. It’s a fun way for students to raise funds and support kids such as Jordan, Xavier, Paige and Izzy. 

Register your school today, visit the Telethon website.

All images courtesy of The West Australian, Seven West Media.