Kim Clijsters serves an ace for sick kids

Tuesday, 12 January 2010 08:47

Kim Clijsters has always been considered an adopted Aussie, but she now holds an even more special place in the heart of Brisbanites after donating her $37,000 winner's cheque from the Brisbane International to the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.

Clijsters was unable to fight back tears on Saturday night when making public her reasons for donating her Brisbane International winner’s cheque after the tennis supermum was affected by meeting children younger than her healthy 23-month-old daughter, Jada, and their parents at a visit here on New Years Eve.

The bond and immediate friendships Clijsters struck up with the families is a win-win for Brisbane as the US Open champion said she wanted to play in Brisbane next year to meet up with the youngsters who so touched her heart.

Clijsters’ already high popularity soared when she spoke emotionally about meeting the ill children as she received a minute-long standing ovation from the packed Pat Rafter Arena.

A deeply moved Kim hopes Queenslanders follow her lead and donate to Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

"It’s a small amount but hopefully other people see it’s a good thing and maybe donate because I donated something," Kim said. "It’s terrible to see kids in the oncology floor boys and girls Jada’s age (and as young as) 17 months... three-year-olds with brain tumours."

Watch Kim Clijster's visit to the Royal Children's Hospital below.

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