The Bachelor star Rachael Gouvignon lends a hand for McHappy Day

LITTLE Riley Nelson has had to spend more time in hospital than any four-year-old should.

He was rushed to hospital suffering from the chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis.

But with the best treatment found in Perth, a long way from his family’s Kalgoorlie home, Ronald McDonald House Perth has stepped into the breach.

His parents Tom and Natasha call it their home away from home, and they are able to stay in Perth during Riley’s treatment.

MORE: Ronald McDonald House names ambassadors for 2016

Big brother Tyler is also able to stay, keeping Riley’s spirits high.

“When Riley was rushed to hospital, the staff were quick to organise a room for us at RMH Perth, it took the pressure off finding accommodation and we could just focus on being by Riley’s side,” his father Tom said.

Ronald McDonald House gets valuable funding from McHappy Day, which is this Saturday November 12.

Now in its 25th year, McHappy Day aims to raise much needed funds for regional families like the Nelsons and helps ensure the vital programs that Ronald McDonald House provides can continue.

“We are so thankful for the support we have received from RMHC and ask WA families to get behind McHappy Day to help WA’sregional families and their sick kids,” Mr Nelson said.

“Riley has not been able to go to school with his illness, but the RMHC Learning Programs have helped him fill in the gaps in his education and we’ve seen a major improvement in his confidence which has been amazing.”

The new Ronald McDonald House Perth now hosts 47 family rooms which can accommodate up to 220 people each night, and assist over 800 families each year while their child receives treatment for life threatening illnesses.

Reality TV stars Sue Clarke (Survivor) and Rachael Gouvignon (The Bachelor) will be volunteering at McDonalds Melville on Saturday.

Sue and Rachael will be joined by other Perth reality TV favourites Nikki Gogan, Ryan Palk and Kat Dumont.