Carrie Bickmore breaks down over brain cancer appeal backlash
On Monday night, The Project co-host Carrie Bickmore launched her latest Beanies 4 Brain Cancer appeal in an effort to raise funds for the disease that claimed her husband’s life in 2010.
After the show, however, the Gold Logie winner was the target of dozens of scathing comments, slamming her for scheduling the appeal on the same day as Neale Daniher’s annual Big Freeze at the MCG, which also sells beanies to raise money for motor neurone disease research.
Last night, Bickmore addressed the backlash with a teary statement, explaining the clash was “completely unintentional” and that she was “absolutely gutted” over the harsh comments.
“We were due to launch our beanies a couple of weeks ago but they didn’t arrive in time so we had to push it back a few weeks and in the business of making it all happen, and keeping our supporters happy, we didn’t take note of the fact the new date then clashed with Neale’s Freeze at the G,” the visibly emotional Bickmore explained. “We just wanted to finally get the beanies out to everyone and of course now I wish I had waited another few days.
“I spoke to Neale today, they had an incredibly successful campaign yesterday which is great news. We both pour our heart and souls into these campaigns and I have been absolutely gutted that anyone would think I would try and derail someone else’s lifesaving work.”
Despite all the drama, both Bickmore and Daniher’s charity beanies sold out, and both raised much-needed funds and awareness for their respective causes.
What are your thoughts on the backlash and Carrie’s response? Let us know in the comments.