For Chris Mayne, Starlight is something that’s always been close to his heart.

Born with a cleft lip and palate, which is a split or opening in the roof of the mouth, the Freo forward spent 13 years in and out of Princess Margaret Hospital.

“It was tough dealing with speech therapy and a numerous amount of operations,” Mayne said.

“My mum and dad were young when they had me and went through some tough times.

“PMH were amazing for us.”

While he wasn’t directly involved with the children’s charity during his ordeal, he knows how valuable a smile can be, and that’s been the inspiration behind his Starlight ambassadorship, which began in 2009.

“Being a part of Starlight for me, seeing seriously ill kids and putting a smile on their faces, is something I get great pleasure out of,” he said.

“It gives me pride and honour each year and that’s what I try to represent.

“When I pull on that purple jumper on a special occasion like the Starlight Purple Haze Game, I like to give my best effort for all the kids.”

Save a special cheer for ‘Mayney’ if he kicks a goal for Starlight tonight.


2013 STARLIGHT PURPLE HAZE GAME: Friday 12 April v Essendon at Patersons Stadium, 6.40pm bounce down. Dress in purple to WIN! Proudly supported by Fremantle Ports. Find out how you can help Starlight here.

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