Capes 4 Kids Australia is hoping to break the record, which is currently held by the US and stands at 1580, at its Superhero Fun Day on Saturday, April 11, at the Queanbeyan Showgrounds.

This year will be Australia’s second attempt, after Melbourne claimed the title in 2010.

Launched in June, Capes 4 Kids Australia provides handmade capes to children in hospital who are facing long-term illnesses, painful operations and treatments to help them feel as safe and brave as possible.

Founder, 36-year-old Heather Foggett, says: “It is an American concept that I had been following and I realised that there was nothing like it in Australia. I sent emails to hospitals and received positive feedback.

“The capes are given to the children with a card and a poem telling them what the cape can bring: courage, warmth, protection and with a little imagination superhero powers.

“They wear them before a scary operation or place them over their faces if they’re getting an injection. It is something so simple that helps the children and allows the parents to see their child smiling.”

The mum of two has watched the charity grow to gain 150 volunteers across the country and provide up to 3500 capes overall. “This roughly works out as 16.5 capes every hour since the launch,” says Heather.

“Hospitals get a lot of requests from charities who want to provide for the children, so it is a privilege that we are allowed into the hospital and on to the ward to help.

“It is also a privilege for the Capes 4 Kids family who see the capes they have made making a child happy. It is so rewarding.”

Entry to the Superhero Fun Day is by gold coin donation and will begin at 10.30am. It will feature market stalls, entertainment and amusements.

The world record attempt will be at noon in the main arena where anyone can join in and register on the day.

Heather says: “People from all over Australia are coming to the Fun Day, it is bringing people together to have a great time. It is a cost-effective family day out. People can arrive dressed normally and get changed there; think outside the square.

“There are no villains and as long as we can identify who you are you can join in. We’re using Hulk as an example. He is an easy choice because you can just paint yourself green and wear a ripped T-shirt”.

The day is a chance to raise awareness for Capes 4 Kids with the highlight of taking part in a world-record attempt.

“We are a down-to-earth, easy going charity and we have had amazing support from volunteers and families while making so many friends across the country,” Heather says.

“It is all about the kids, they are our future generation and we want to make them feel safe when going through a trauma and make sure they are happy. When mum and dad see their little one smiling it’s all worthwhile.

“Let’s fill the showgrounds with fun for Australia to take on the world record. It’s your chance to be a part of it.”

Superhero Fun Day, Queanbeyan Showgrounds, 10.30am, Saturday, April 11. Visit capes4kidsaustralia.com.au or Capes 4 Kids Australia Inc on Facebook.

Capes 4 Kids Australia also accepts donations of material, cotton and velcro.