A record-breaking box of cherries is helping change the life of a young Narrabri boy, with the annual Sydney Markets Cherry Auction once again set to raise vital funds for regional families in need.
Three-year-old Rylan Wyborn was born with severe lymphoedema, a rare lymphatic disorder that leaves him extremely vulnerable to infection and requires regular, specialised medical care at Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney.
For the Wyborn family, making the long journey from Narrabri would have been impossible without the support of Little Wings – the charity providing free air and ground transport for seriously ill children across NSW and beyond.
Brooke Wyborn, Rylan’s mother, said that she couldn’t imagine life without the support of Little Wings.
“It was Rylan’s physio who first suggested we reach out to Little Wings – they’re such an incredible organisation, all the pilots and drivers are all volunteers and it’s genuinely life changing for us,” she said.
“If it weren’t for Little Wings, we’d be forced to move closer away from Narrrabri and the community here has just been so incredibly supportive to us. I would never be one to put my hand out for help but so many people in Narrabri have offered so much support and I will be forever grateful to them all.”
Each year, the Cherry Auction marks the beginning of the stonefruit season and raises money for Little Wings through the sale of the first box of cherries. In 2024, that box sold for a remarkable $165,000, funding an additional two Little Wings missions per week, doubling the organisation’s Medical Wings clinics, and expanding outreach into new states and remote communities.
This year’s Cherry Ball and Auction will take place on Saturday 29 November 2025 at Miramare Gardens in Terrey Hills, bringing together growers, wholesalers, retailers and supporters from across Australia. Funds raised will again help families like the Wyborns stay connected to lifesaving care.
“We’re all very excited to be attending the Cherry Ball this year,” said Brooke.
“The whole family is so happy to be able to get dressed up and experience the night – McDonald’s Fashions in Narrabri have helped us out, even donating some of Rylan’s clothes for the night. He’s going to look so handsome!”
Despite the severity of his condition, Brooke said Rylan is a normal, happy 3 year old.
“He doesn’t let anything stop him,” she said.
“He loves motorbikes, fishing and his pet goat – he’s wild and we love him.”
Brooke and her partner Zane moved to Narrabri together 10 years ago and have four children – Zahlia (10), Brock (8), Rylan (3) and Colton (1).
When asked how she juggles the challenge of keeping up with both Rylan’s rigorous treatment schedule, and busy parenting life, Brooke simply said, “You just do.”
“Dad (Zane) stays home and works and holds the fort at home, and me and the kids will go and stay in the Ronald McDonald House at Westmead, and the big kids can keep up with their schooling at the hospital school.”
Rylan’s prognosis is complicated but Brooke remains positive.
“If we don’t keep on top of it, he will deteriorate, he also needs to be constantly monitored for tumours, cancer and blood clots as these can all be additional complications of his diagnosis but we keep up with his treatment, his special garments and we’re hoping with funds raised we may be able to get him a lymphatic pump in the future.”
Little Wings CEO Clare Pearson said support from the Sydney Markets Foundation had helped the organisation achieve its biggest year yet.
“Thanks to the support of Sydney Markets Foundation, its community and sponsors, we’ve been able to expand our reach and say ‘yes’ to helping more families than ever before,” Ms Pearson said. “This year, we’re continuing to grow our services, including outreach clinics, preventative health initiatives, and hands-on support that keeps families close to the medical care they need.”
In the last financial year alone, Little Wings supported 5,110 children and completed 2,385 missions, powered by 98 volunteers including pilots who collectively donated more than 30,000 hours of their time.
Sydney Markets Foundation CEO Meegan George said the Cherry Auction has become a treasured tradition.
“It’s about showing what this industry and community can achieve when we come together,” Ms George said. “Every dollar raised goes directly to keeping children in regional and rural areas connected to lifesaving care.”
Now in its 44th year, the Cherry Auction has raised more than $2 million for Australian charities since it was founded by Sydney Markets wholesaler Stan Hunt in 1980. Last year’s coveted winning box came from Victoria’s Warby Ranges and was bought by Talal and Joanne Khanafer of Trims Fresh Merrylands.
As the 2025 event approaches, the Wyborn family hopes the community will continue to get behind the cause that has helped keep their little boy safe, supported and able to access the care he needs.
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