Youki leads Good Friday Festival

The local ambassador for the Phillip Island Good Friday Appeal (with events running from March 20 to April 3) is 28-year-old Youki Innes.

Born with cerebral palsy, he grew up on Phillip Island. As a child, Youki spent significant time in and out of the Royal Children's Hospital.

The care he received, and the support provided to his family, played a vital role in shaping the life he lives today.

Youki’s mother, Sayuri, has vivid memories of the years spent at the Royal Children’s Hospital throughout his childhood.

“Youki was born in October 1997.

From then until he transitioned to Monash Medical Centre, we had countless visits to the Children’s Hospital in Parkville,” said Sayuri.

“Looking back, I often picture us as a small tray, trembling and fragile carefully carried by so many hands — doctors, nurses, therapists, orthotists, hospital staff, cleaners, and the wonderful volunteers.

“They held us steady and guided us through Youki’s childhood.

“In my memory, the old hospital felt dark, with low ceilings and corridors connecting many different sections of buildings — almost like a rabbit warren.

You had to know exactly where you were going, or you would get lost.

It was very different from the bright, colourful new building we see today,” she said.

“Near the small shop that sold hospital sundries stood a bronze statue of a mother holding her baby. I stopped in front of that statue many times.

I would gently touch the baby’s head — sometimes with tears, praying for a successful surgery, sometimes with a smile, giving thanks for good progress.

“The baby’s head shone brightly, polished smooth by the touch of hundreds of parents who must have stood there just as I did — hoping, praying, and giving thanks.”

Sayuri said having Youki nominated as an ambassador for the Good Friday Appeal this year was a great honour for the family.

“To now share our story comes from a place of deep gratitude,” she said.

“It is our simple and heartfelt thank you to the hospital and to all the people whose care and kindness carried us through those years.

“It’s our turn to step up and help this great fundraiser.

"Please come and join Youki on those fun filled activities that Anne-Marie and the team created.”

Between March 21 and April 3, there will be many opportunities to get involved.

Families can attend the PJ and Pins Sunday Session. Golfers can enter the Ambrose Day at Phillip Island Golf Club.

Visitors can experience twilight cruises, mini golf and creative workshops.

The campaign will culminate on Good Friday with Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary presenting Good Friday on the Lawn at Berninneit, with activities for all ages.

Updates, schedules and event details can be found on Good Friday Appeal Phillip Island on Facebook and Instagram, along with a QR code linking to ticket purchases for individual events.