Essendon Challenge Ambassadors Mason Redman and Matt Guelfi spent a special morning with children and families from Challenge, continuing the club's long-standing support of those impacted by childhood cancer.

The pair joined children from the Royal Children's Hospital for a Bomber Kids session at Challenge HQ, taking part in football activities, music and games in the playroom alongside siblings and families.

Many of the children are currently undergoing treatment for childhood cancer and attend weekly respite sessions at the Challenge Family Centre, where they can connect with others facing similar experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

For Redman and Guelfi, the visit was a chance to spend time with some familiar faces. The duo regularly visit the Royal Children's Hospital each week, where they play card games, watch movies and build meaningful relationships with the children and their families throughout their treatment journey.

The morning was made possible thanks to Essendon's ongoing partnership with Challenge and the support of Yakult Australia, a long-time supporter of the organisation. Over the years, Yakult has helped fund a range of initiatives for Challenge, including providing vehicles for Challenge and their families for the hospital and, this year, supporting the playgroup room at the Challenge Family Centre.

Yakult's charitable donation of $20,000 in 2025 helped fund Challenge's Playgroup program, which provides young children undergoing treatment with a safe environment to socialise, learn and simply enjoy being kids. Due to the increased health risks associated with attending regular playgroups during treatment, the program offers a vital opportunity for connection and normality during a difficult time.

The visit comes ahead of Essendon's annual Challenge Game against GWS on Sunday, July 19 at Marvel Stadium.

As part of the occasion, the Bombers will run through a banner designed by the children and families of Challenge before taking the field in a special Challenge guernsey. The match-worn jumpers will be auctioned following the game, with all proceeds supporting Challenge and its mission of giving childhood cancer the boot.

The annual Challenge Game remains one of the club's most important community initiatives, bringing the Essendon family together to support children and families facing the toughest of battles.