Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Fergus’s Story
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Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship
A Dare to Dream Scholarship can help teens reach their goals
We believe that cancer shouldn’t get in the way of achieving your goals.
Since 2013, Coles has partnered with Redkite to support children and young people affected by cancer and their families. During the last ten years, Coles has raised over $50 million to help thousands of Redkite families, enabling essential practical, financial, emotional, and mental health support to be provided during their cancer experience.
The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established to inspire teenagers affected by cancer to achieve their goals and ambitions. This scholarship, funded by Coles, helps teenagers build their future. The possibilities that the Dare to Dream Scholarship creates for young Australians are life-changing.
Together, Redkite and Coles have awarded over 450 scholarships since 2013 worth over $800,500.
Who can apply?
The Dare to Dream Scholarship is open to any teenager (aged 13-18 years old) in Australia who has cancer or has had cancer at any point in their life.
What can the scholarship be used for?
Teens can receive up to $5,000 to help them achieve a goal.
Tools and courses to develop creativity
Music, audio, and visual equipment
Computers and software
Building fitness, sport or dance skills
Tutors for big exams or school catch up
Courses, coaching, classes, or university
Pursuing a personal interest or social justice causes
…and more!
“A Dare to Dream Scholarship has given me a newfound confidence in both myself and also my attitude towards life. I struggled a lot emotionally through my experience with cancer and this scholarship will really help me to do what I love.”
Past recipients
Stories from inspiring young people who Dared to Dream
Read the stories of the 2024 Dare to Dream Scholarship winners and finalists below
Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Victoria’s Story
Victoria’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship finalist: Ben’s Story
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Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Kyle’s Story
Kyle, a 17-year-old from the Central Coast of NSW, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Rosie’s Story
Rosie’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Oli’s story
Oliver, a 16-year-old history buff from Sydney, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Jayden’s story
Jayden’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Kai’s story
Kai’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Olivia, an 18-year-old from Bonnet Bay, NSW has been named the winner of the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.
“When I found out that I was the winner of the Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship, I was speechless. Of course, I hoped to receive the scholarship, but I never expected to actually get it. So, when I did, and was the national winner, I felt very lucky and grateful.”
Diagnosed with a brain tumour at 11 years old, Mitchell had to pack up his life and move to Brisbane for a year of gruelling treatment, leaving his friends, family and school behind. Despite the challenges he has faced, Mitchell is still aiming for the sky and is as determined as ever to bring his dream of becoming a pilot into reality.
It hasn’t been an easy road and Mitchell continues to face personal challenges everyday, but this inspiring team continues to shoot for the stars.
“I couldn’t think of anything better than to be flying free above the clouds,” he says.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of 15, Samuel faced two gruelling years of treatment where he missed important schooling, sport, and time with his friends. Despite these challenges, the determined teenager graduated year 12 with an ATAR that gained him entry into a Bachelor of Medical Science at Macquarie University.
2021 saw Samuel face more personal challenges. He had a hip replacement, which forced him to miss out on university, and he lost his dad suddenly, who was one of his biggest supports.
“Despite the challenges in my life, I am more determined than ever to achieve my goal and make my dad proud. Helping others is something I’ve always known I wanted to do and, having experienced cancer, I would love to help people who are in a similar situation as I could relate to them.”
Joshua was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg when he was 12 years old. At the time of his diagnosis he had been playing piano for eight years and continued to play through two relapses: one in November 2018, when the tumour moved to his right lung, and one in August 2019, when the tumour moved to his spine.
“Cancer has, undoubtedly, prevented me from reaching my full potential in music. Due to all my surgeries, my movement has been quite limited, and piano is one of the only remaining things that I enjoy that I can still do. I also really like the sound of the piano,” Joshua said.
With his scholarship, Joshua upgraded his piano so he could continue to improve his skills. When asked about how the piano would change his life, he said, “The piano that I have now is over half a century old and the sustain pedal (right pedal) doesn’t work anymore. With this [upgraded] piano, I will be able to fully express myself and play more challenging pieces.” Joshua, now 18, is currently studying at university and dreams of one day becoming a professional pianist and composer.
Thomas was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in January 2020. “Throughout my nine months of treatment, I’ve had very little energy and I’ve been in a lot of pain. I’ve had to isolate, not only because of COVID-19, but mainly due to my low blood counts. Cancer has also caused me to lose a lot of my strength and endurance,” Thomas said.
Thomas’ dream is to one day become a firefighter for Fire and Rescue New South Wales, a dream that comes from his father, who served as a volunteer firefighter for the NSW Rural Fire Service and passed away from lymphoma when Thomas was just nine years old.
Now off-treatment, but still undergoing regular check-ups, Thomas said that the $5,000 scholarship will help him complete the physical and emotional prerequisites he needs to join Fire and Rescue NSW and improve his overall happiness. Since receiving his scholarship, Thomas, now 18, has continued with his studies, gained his drivers license, been going to the gym five days a week and is feeling a lot fitter and healthier.
How to apply
You will be able to apply through myRedkite when applications open again in 2026. Here is the information we ask you to submit.
Please make sure to read all of the questions carefully and refer to the FAQs for more information.
Applications open again in 2026!
Keen to apply in 2026? That’s great!
Subscribe below and we will be in touch when applications open again.
Frequently asked questions
The below FAQs cover what you should do before you apply, your application, our requirements, and what happens if you receive a scholarship.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered, please contact us at 1800 733 548 or scholarships@redkite.org.au.
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