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Ash Barty's beautiful gesture for young fan with Cystic Fibrosis

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read
Ash Barty, pictured here with young fan Paige in Brisbane.
Ash Barty invited young fan Paige to have a hit with her. Image: Supplied

Ash Barty has taken some time out from her preparations for the Australian Open to fulfil the dream of a young fan battling serious illness.

The women's World No.1 teamed up with Make-A-Wish Australia this week to grant the wish of 10-year-old Paige from Brisbane.

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Paige, who has suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since she was born, wanted to meet her idol and fellow Queenslander Barty.

On Monday while Barty was preparing for the Australian Open at Pat Rafter Arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre, the 25-year-old took some time to fulfil Paige's wish.

Paige got to watch Barty train with fellow Aussie stars Priscilla Hon and Kimberly Birrell, before Barty invited Paige out onto the court to play some doubles.

Paige got to play alongside Barty in a game against Hon and Birrell.

Following the hit, Barty signed a singlet and some tennis balls for her 10-year-old fan.

Ash Barty, pictured here with 10-year-old Paige and her parents.
Ash Barty with 10-year-old Paige and her parents. Image: Supplied

β€œI can’t believe Make-A-Wish made Paige’s wish come true, she was ecstatic and still has a smile on her face. I was nearly in tears too,” said father Brian.

β€œPaige is inspired by Ash, she is a girl from Brisbane, just like her, who has achieved her dreams.

β€œThis opportunity has changed my daughter’s life, thank you Make-A-Wish for making Paige’s wish come true."

Paige's grandmother posted photos and videos of the beautiful scenes on social media, with fans praising Barty and Make-A-Wish for the gesture.

Make-A-Wish has been granting wishes for over 30 years

Make-A-Wish Australia has been granting the wishes of seriously ill children since 1985, granting over 10,000 wishes.

β€œWe hope by sharing Paige’s story and the amazing work of the Wish Force volunteers, we can highlight the lasting impact that wishes have on seriously ill children and their families," said CEO Sally Bateman.

β€œWish fulfillments can range from welcoming a puppy to the family to being a super hero or going on a trip to the snow, every wish is as unique as the child who imagines it."

A Make-A-Wish spokesperson told Yahoo Sport Australia: "Due to the impacts of Covid-19, Make-A-Wish Australia has more than 800 seriously ill children waiting for a wish.

"With no government funding, Make-A-Wish relies on the incredible generosity and support from donors, volunteers, partners and the special friends who help make these wishes happen."

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