But about six years later, her eight-month-old son Luke was flown to the hospital with intestinal problems from Darwin, where the family was on holidays.

Mrs Conn said the RCH provided great care for Luke and her ongoing involvement with the hospital had allowed her to see the excellent care it also gave countless others.

“It is a brilliant hospital. They do brilliant work there,” Mrs Conn said.

Tomorrow, Mrs Conn and her husband Rex will be among a hardy band of 20 people collecting at the Banyan and Liebig streets traffic lights for the RCH’s annual Good Friday Appeal.

More than $21,000 was raised last year from motorists stopped at the two sets of lights and the volunteers are this year aiming to at least match that.

Mrs Conn said the volunteers had to be light on their feet, dodging traffic while collecting but were willing to take the risk to help sick children.

She co-ordinates the 8am-5pm roster of volunteers for the two collection points and said she got great help from members of the local Hash House Harriers running group.

She believed one of the reasons why the Good Friday Appeal enjoyed such support was that most people knew of a child who had received treatment at the RCH.

“And it’s on Good Friday and people know they have to have money in the car (for a donation),” Mrs Conn said. “There is a lot of awareness.”

Also raising funds tomorrow will be the annual Derrinallum Royal Children’s Good Friday family fun day and car show. Classic cars, bikes and collectables will be on show at the Derrinallum recreation reserve from 11am-3pm.

Children’s entertainment will include a jumping castle, an Easter Bonnet parade and special appearance by the Easter Bunny. 

The event’s inaugural year last year raised more than $7500 for the hospital.