Cousins Ashley Holmes, 11, and Lily Blackmore, 3, both have forms of cerebral palsy, meaning they’re no strangers to the medical facility.

Ashley visits a specialist at the hospital once every six months with his mum Suzanne Holmes.

Ms Holmes said the purpose of the trips was to monitor Ashley’s progress in all aspects of his life, and the grade five student said it was not a scary place for him at all.

South West Region Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliary president Janine Sheen said at least 60 volunteers had already put their hand up to get involved in highway collection this Good Friday.

“Last year we raised almost $20,000. That is a mind-blowing experience to get that call to say we almost made $20,000,” she said. “It’s unbelievable.”

Volunteers will be collecting donations in four spots on Raglan Parade in Warrnambool from 8am to 4pm – at Fairy Street, Banyan Street, Caramut Road and Mahoneys Road.

Mrs Sheen said anyone over 16 could join in and assist on the day by contacting her on 5560 7379 or 0400 907 379.

She said her family had personal experience with the hospital and described it as a “marvellous place”.

CFA, Ambulance and SES crews will be sticking with tradition by making the rounds of Warrnambool and surrounds to collect funds for the Good Friday Appeal.

CFA Warrnambool acting operations officer David Ferguson said the members would be making their way through the streets from 9am Friday.

“I encourage people to come out and donate to a firefighter or an SES or ambulance officer,” Mr Ferguson said. “It’s been a tradition for many many years, for as long as I can remember, and it always raises tens of thousands of dollars.”

CFA crews will also be collecting donations in Port Fairy and Koroit on the Friday.