By BRIDGET SCOTT
ON Sunday 31 June, Simon Sleep became ‘Super Simon’ – his son Seth’s own super hero, because according to Seth, his dad is helping him fight his leukaemia.
Last weekend, Narre Warren South resident Mr Sleep braved the cold in honour of his six-year-old son Seth, who has leukaemia.
Mr Sleep participated in the inaugural event of the Leukaemia Foundations, Sunflower Club’s Speedo Dash – however the decision to do so was not made by him.
It was news to both Simon and Seth, when his wife told the pair that she had signed her husband up.
Simon said although he was hesitant at first, he managed to get his head around the idea, much to his sons amusement.
“Seth just giggled,” he said.
“He thought it was funny.”
It was full steam ahead from this point on, and Seth and his mum got to work on an unforgettable costume for their husband and dad.
“Nikki and Seth got together and made a swim suit,” Mr Sleep said.
The costume was also paired with bright sunflowers in honour of the Sunflower club, which was created by the Leukaemia Foundation, to add brightness to the lives of those who are unwell.
The outfit was a combination of bright colours and tight clothes, which Simon would wear as he dashed 300 metres through the city.
Mr Sleep managed to raise $302 in the lead up to the event, but has been given the opportunity to raise more.
“I have $302 officially now,” Mr Sleep said.
“But my boss said if I wear the outfit at work all day Thursday he will donate another $300.”
Mr Sleep said he could hear his son cheering for him throughout the race, and he crossed the finish line to see the beaming six-year-old holding a handful of sunflowers for his dad.
“Apparently he turned around to Nonna and said – I want some sunflowers for dad,” Mr Sleep said.
Mr Sleep was also supported by his two-year-old daughter Holly – who went along to cheer for her dad with her brother, mum and Nonna.
