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Brothers' epic journey across Australia to raise money for cancer

<p>Brothers Stefan and Lachlan Lamble have firsthand experience on how devastating cancer can be.</p> <p>The brothers, both in their 20s, lost their grandmother to breast cancer eight years ago, and recently had their other grandmother pull through a difficult cancer battle. </p> <p>After being inspired by their family's hardships, the Lamble brothers have set out on an epic adventure to cross Australia by foot in just 100 days. </p> <p>Stefan and Lachlan began their journey in Perth in February, and have spent 66 days so far battling difficult conditions while pushing their bodies to the limit. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5fNETERB0s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5fNETERB0s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lambros (@lambrosarmy)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The pair are just days away from reaching Adelaide, and have had some trying times on their momentous journey so far. </p> <p>"One day reached 46 degrees and the soles of our shoes literally melted," Lachlan told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/brothers-tackle-momentous-100day-cross-country-challenge-for-cancer-research/bcf7f2f5-482a-4ef3-9ca2-f4a0412beed9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. </p> <p>Their unwavering commitment to raising money for cancer research has garnered widespread support, with a legion of fans across the country cheering them on. </p> <p>"It gives us a bit of hope that there might be some new research, and that's all we can really hope for," she said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5z-9LaJtqS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5z-9LaJtqS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 9News (@9news)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The brothers aimed to raise $100,000 before they reach their final destination of Melbourne, but with the help of their dedicated supports, they reached their financial goal just after their halfway mark. </p> <p>Now, the brothers have their sights set on a new goal: $1 million before the end of the year. </p> <p>"We are doing it for everyone back home that has been impacted by cancer, so please find it in your hearts to donate at <a href="https://www.acrf.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACRF</a> (Australian Cancer Research Foundation)," Stefan said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Joyous news as injured policewoman walks again after huge fundraiser

<p>Ella Cutler, the brave WA police officer who faced a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/police-officer-in-critical-condition-after-terrifying-cliff-fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">life-threatening fall in Europe</a> just three months ago, has triumphantly walked out of the hospital, defying all odds. The inspiring journey of her recovery, coupled with the overwhelming support from a generous community, has captured the hearts of thousands of people around the country and even further afield.</p> <p>On that fateful day in Croatia, Ella's world took a devastating turn when she plummeted several metres from a wall at a popular tourist spot (image below), leaving her body shattered. Doctors initially gave her a mere five percent chance of survival, painting a grim picture for the spirited detective constable. However, Ella's determination, coupled with the unwavering support of her family and a compassionate community, has defied the bleak prognosis.</p> <p>Amid the challenges, Ella faced yet another hurdle as her insurer denied funding for both medical costs and the flight back to her home in Perth. The reason? She had been enjoying a night out and had a few drinks on the ill-fated evening. Undeterred by this setback, Ella's family launched a fundraiser to bridge the financial gap, and the response was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/positive-news-for-injured-wa-police-officer-in-croatia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nothing short of extraordinary</a>.</p> <p>The community rallied together, pouring in close to $530,000 in donations from across the country. It became the largest GoFundMe campaign ever in Western Australia, showcasing the incredible power of collective compassion. This outpouring of support not only covered the substantial medical expenses but also became the lifeline that brought Ella back to her home in late September.</p> <p>A recent video shared by WA Police is a testament to Ella's indomitable spirit. Smiling, talking and walking with the aid of crutches and braces, she left rehabilitation at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch, just south of Perth. The joy in her eyes and the gratitude in her words were palpable as she expressed her thanks to the thousands who contributed to her recovery.</p> <p>"Thank you so much for bringing me home. Your kindness is overwhelming," Ella said, her words echoing the sentiments of a grateful heart.</p> <p>Ella, accompanied by her family, recently met with WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, displaying an unwavering determination to return to the job she loves. Despite a laundry list of injuries, including fractures to her skull, spine, ribs and limbs – as well as punctured lungs – Ella remains undaunted. Her journey to full recovery is far from over, requiring months of care, multiple surgeries and extensive physical rehabilitation.</p> <p>As Ella takes each step toward recovery, she not only defies the odds but also stands as a living example of how a community united can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.</p> <p><em>Images: WA Police / Seven News</em></p>

Caring

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“Shocked and amazed”: Neighbours raise over $50,000 for bullied boy

<p dir="ltr">A couple from Texas has helped raise over $55,000 for their young neighbour who was being bullied.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their story began when young Shayden Walker knocked on the door of Brennan Ray and Angell Hammersmith, looking for friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">The conversation was captured on their home’s video doorbell system, as Walker asked if they knew any children between the ages of 11 and 12 because he “needs some friends really bad”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Walker, who approached their house wearing a Jaws t-shirt, explained that some neighbourhood kids had been bullying him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could hear the innocence and vulnerability in his voice,” Ray told DailyMail.com. “All I knew is that I wanted to help the kid.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has since been viewed on TikTok more than 66 million times, with TikTokers from across the world commenting that they hope he finds some “REAL friends soon” and saying “I have never wanted to hug a kid so bad in my life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ray and Hammersmith decided to start a GoFundMe page for Walker, asking people to “spread kindness for Shayden” and give what they can to help provide for the boy, while encouraging people to “come together and show him he's got some friends.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are raising money to help buy him a gaming system, school clothes and hopefully some amusement park tickets and anything else he may want or need,” the fundraising page reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">In just four days of the fundraising page being online, people from around the world have helped donate more than $55,000AUD to Shayden and his family, with the organisers saying they are “shocked and amazed” at people’s generosity.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many of the donations came with messages for Shayden, saying “You have a friend in me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Walker's stepfather now says Shayden's a “totally different kid” than he was just last week, while the young boy said in a video posted to his father's TikTok page that “Y'all have touched my heart so much, it's just literally to the point where I want to cry.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The family have requested that the donations be turned off on the donations page, saying they are not seeking any money.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many people commented on Shayden’s message, praising his bravery and sending messages of support.</p> <p dir="ltr">One person wrote, “Shayden, you are a strong kid. No one deserves to be bullied or made fun of.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are incredibly brave to be putting yourself out there and actively looking for friends instead of staying in the house.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know you are young, but the best advice I can give you is that you do not need anyone's validation but your own to know your worth. If you love yourself, you will never be alone.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Can you lend a paw this tax time to help cats in need?

<p>With a proud reputation of caring for cats for more than 60 years, the Cat Protection Society of NSW runs Sydney’s only no-kill shelter just for cats, as well as providing feline welfare programs to help cats and the people who love them. </p> <p>Cat Protection began in 1958 as a small group of people dedicated to reducing the number of street cats and while our organisation has grown over the years, our vision remains the same; that every cat deserves a loving and responsible home.</p> <p>Over the years, Cat Protection has helped literally hundreds of thousands of cats, kittens, and people. We’ve led the way in setting the standards for best-practice feline sheltering, and our health and welfare services extend far beyond our adoption centre. And while technology means we can offer a great range of free cat care resources online, we’ve never lost our human touch and we still help thousands of people every year with advice and tips on cat care by phone or in-person, at no cost. </p> <p>Our subsidised desexing, vaccination and microchipping programs promote cat health and welfare in the community and our newest program, Adopt-a-Stray, offers a complete and affordable package for those who wish to fully welcome a street cat into their heart and home. </p> <p>What sets us apart from many other animal shelters is our holistic approach to each individual cat or human client. Cats are not given a time limit, although most are adopted within days or weeks. Every cat is individually assessed and provided with a care plan to meet their unique needs. If they need complex surgery, allergy trials or behavioural interventions our highly qualified team will work with veterinarians and specialists to ensure the cat gets everything they need to set them on the path to living their best life.</p> <p>A kind person found Snake, a four-week-old sickly orphaned kitten. In addition to cat flu, our vets identified corneal scarring in his right eye, a blocked tear duct, and an adhesion on his eyelid restricting the normal movement of his third eyelid. Treatment resolved the flu and improved his eye, but Snake will live with limited vision in that eye. This has not dampened his playfulness or zest for life.</p> <p>As well as poor physical health, orphaned kittens miss out on the important lessons of being a cat from their mum and siblings, and this can lead to behavioural issues. Where we can, we will make sure such kittens get to join a stepfamily, but in cases such as Snake’s, illness means that isn’t always possible. It is then up to our human team to work with these little ones to help them learn to navigate the world with good manners!</p> <p>In contrast, Banjo had all the behavioural benefits of his brother but alas at seven weeks of age Banjo weighed only 560 grams while his brother Clancy weighed 900 grams!  </p> <p>Banjo was diagnosed with a rare form of congenital hypothyroidism. Because his condition was diagnosed early, his prognosis is very good. He was started on a medication called Thyroxine and went back into foster care so that we could monitor his progress and adjust the dose of his medication as necessary with follow-up blood tests. After six weeks in foster care, Banjo graduated to the adoption centre. He will need to be on Thyroxine for the rest of his life, but that didn’t daunt his new family who’ve told us Banjo is now thriving in his loving forever home.</p> <p>From individualised TLC and veterinary care for every cat and kitten, to helping human clients resolve cat challenges (from furniture scratching to strata bans) and strategic research and advocacy on behalf of people and cats, Cat Protection’s impact is so much greater than our budget. </p> <p>As an independent registered charity for cats, we’re dependent on donations and bequests to do our work. We are compliant, open and transparent; on our website you can see our audited annual reports for details of what we do and what it costs.</p> <p>We have a strict “no harassment” fundraising policy which means under no circumstances will your information be sold on, and we do not employ pressure-tactics or door-to-door solicitations. </p> <p>We don’t spend money paying fundraising companies to ring you at dinner time asking for money or send you five-page long letters insisting you give more. And we never will. </p> <p>Donations are invested in helping our feline friends and nurturing the unique bond between cats and people. Your generosity will mean that we can continue to help thousands of cats and people each year.</p> <p>If you can lend a paw, please <a href="https://www.givenow.com.au/catprotectionsocietynsw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make your tax-deductible donation here</a>! </p> <p>For general advice on cat care and everything feline, call the Cat Protection Society of NSW on 02 9557 4818 or visit <a href="https://catprotection.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">catprotection.org.au</a>  </p> <p><em>Images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with the <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Cat Protection Society of NSW.</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

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"OMG that's Nicole Kidman!": Magic moment at Hugh Jackman's Broadway fundraiser

<p dir="ltr">Nicole Kidman surprised fans when she appeared at fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman’s Broadway show. </p> <p dir="ltr">The actress attended New York's The Winter Garden Theatre to watch Hugh’s <em>The Music Man</em> show and was ready to dig deep into her pockets to support a charity. </p> <p dir="ltr">During a break in the show, Hugh came back on stage and announced that he will be auctioning off his signed hat.</p> <p dir="ltr">The winning bidder will see their proceeds going to Broadway Cares – a nonprofit US organisation that helps provide medicine, health care, and meals to those in need. </p> <p dir="ltr">As the bidding started, Nicole could be heard offering a huge US$100,000 (AU$150,000) for the hat and was met with cheering from the crowd. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CldqPWVOr1z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CldqPWVOr1z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Nicole won the bid and made her way to the stage as the crowd applauded her generosity. </p> <p dir="ltr">Later on Instagram, Hugh thanked her for her generosity in a post that showed him handing over the hat to her. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The generosity and love emanating from @nicolekidman leaves me speechless. Thank you Nic for your friendship and support! @musicmanbway @nicholastheward @bcefa,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">She replied: “Darling Hugh, To my friend of 30 years. Right back at you such a generous gorgeous man, it was a brilliant night in the theatre and an honor to be able to donate to @bcefa! + Congratulations to the talented cast.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Check out the amazing moment in full <a href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/nicole-kidman-hugh-jackman-the-music-man-broadway-show-bids-150000-for-hat/5d6a88fc-a056-4d33-9a66-a66e41c3ddb9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Couple tackle the Nullabor to raise funds for polio charity

<p dir="ltr">A Tasmanian couple are jumping on their bicycles ahead of their 2750-kilometre journey - and they’re doing it to raise funds for a good cause.</p> <p dir="ltr">Phil and Joyce Ogden, who have been members of Rotary for over a decade, are undertaking the trek from Perth to Adelaide as part of an epic fundraiser for Rotary’s END POLIO campaign.</p> <p dir="ltr">The campaign, which was started over 30 years ago by Rotary, UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, has been driving towards the goal of completely eradicating Polio, beginning with a project to vaccinate children in the Philippines against the disease in 1979.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, Polio is believed to only be naturally spreading in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but according to the <a href="https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/wha65/A65_20-en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Assembly</a>, failing to eradicate the disease would be a “global health emergency”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We feel the enormous effort which has gone into turning the tide of the disease will be lost if pressure, and fundraising, is not maintained until the final handful of cases is consigned to history,” the Ogdens said in a message to all Rotarians.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the support of their South Launceston Rotary Club, the Odgens have planned to begin their trip in mid-May and hope to raise awareness of the cause along the way.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If we take our collective eyes off the ball, the disease will re-establish,” the couple said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, we are still committed to making our personal donations every year but felt we might harness another of our passions, cycling, to push things along - once again with the assistance of Rotary.”</p> <p dir="ltr">With limited sources of water and no shops to buy food from along the Nullarbor, the couple will carry a week’s worth of food and two days of water at a time, and they’re relying on dehydrated food which will be mailed ahead of them.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their upcoming journey isn’t a first for the Ogdens, who have covered more than 100,000 kilometres from crossing the European Alps, the Pyrenees and the Rockies. </p> <p dir="ltr">Heather Chong, the Tasmanian District Governor, praised the pair and described them as “adventurous philanthropists”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple have started an <a href="https://raise.rotary.org/phil-ogden/fundraiser" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online fundraiser</a> with a goal of raising $40,000. As of publication, the fundraiser has already collected $10,000 in donations, with every $1 donated prompting the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to contribute $2.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5eab3d00-7fff-453c-5cb3-5b7e0b1be26c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

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Shocking twist to 12-year-old’s heroic fundraising effort

<p dir="ltr">A 12-year-old boy who raised over $400,000 (NZ 480,000) for those suffering in Ukraine has experienced a sudden shock - his social media accounts have been targeted by Russian hackers.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3f4c4284-7fff-75e4-9f41-65f2826569a5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Gabriel Clark’s story started when his dad, TV and film director Richard Clark, posted to Twitter asking his followers to follow his son’s woodworking account on Instagram.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lovely twitter people - I don't know how many of you are also <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/instagram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#instagram</a> users but I'm looking for a wee favour. I've a 12yr old who loves woodwork. He spends hours on his lathe making bowls and creating chopping boards which he's sells to save up for a mountain bike. 1/3 <a href="https://t.co/Ny60rFf1TE">pic.twitter.com/Ny60rFf1TE</a></p> <p>— Richard R Clark 🇺🇦 (@rclarkie) <a href="https://twitter.com/rclarkie/status/1507415791116857349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">By the following day, Gabriel’s followers grew from just six to over 33,000 and he had received a whopping 20,000 orders for the bowls and chopping boards he makes using his lathe.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was a lot to take in for a wee lad of 12yrs (sic),” his dad wrote in a Twitter thread recounting the situation.</p> <p dir="ltr">After calculating that it would take him 32 years to fulfil every order, Gabriel decided to make just one bowl, called ‘Gabriel’s Bowl for Ukraine’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We set up a Just Giving page 10 days ago for Save the Children’s Ukraine Appeal, with Gabriel setting a target of £5,000,” Richard explained. “The fundraiser would stay live until Easter when one donor would be chosen at random to win his bowl.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Within 24 hours, donations exceeded £50,000 and by April 21, nearly 14,000 people had given a total of £251,661, with an entrant named Renuka Chapman winning the special prize.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-38c7529e-7fff-cb3a-a323-dbcf793b8e71"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">But, Gabriel’s successes have been soured within just one week, with Mr Clark revealing that Russian hackers had taken down Gabriel’s Instagram account and they had lost all of his content.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ok everyone. GABRIEL REALLY NEEDS YOUR HELP. Russian hackers have taken down his <a href="https://twitter.com/instagram?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@instagram</a> account clarkie_woodwood. All posts and everything gone. We desperately need Instagram to contact us.<br />Please help &amp; RT! <a href="https://t.co/pWubH87cKQ">pic.twitter.com/pWubH87cKQ</a></p> <p>— Richard R Clark 🇺🇦 (@rclarkie) <a href="https://twitter.com/rclarkie/status/1519957679287975940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Appealing for online help once again, even Ben Wallace, the UK’s Defence Secretary, called on the country’s National Cyber Security Centre to lend a hand.</p> <p dir="ltr">“@NCSC (The National Cyber Security Centre’s Twitter account) let’s see what we can do to help. What a thing to do to Gabriel!” Mr Wallace wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">As of publication, Mr Clark confirmed that his son’s account was “half back at least”, describing it as “one less stressful day.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e350c057-7fff-e19d-bd95-7018f8ecddd2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @rclarkie (Twitter)</em></p>

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Gary Ablett's wife shares details on son's rare disease

<p dir="ltr">Jordan Ablett, the wife of retired Geelong footballer Gary Ablett, has opened up about their son Levi’s medical conditions, and how he may never speak.</p> <p dir="ltr">Three-year-old Levi has a rare degenerative disease which Gary and Jordan first spoke publicly about in 2020.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-87c10d96-7fff-7acd-1c6d-8c4698e46c75"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Now, Jordan has spoken about the difficulties she faces communicating with her baby boy days before the start of this year’s Good Friday fundraising appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital, for which she is an ambassador.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcG9kwhPNOa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcG9kwhPNOa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JORDAN ABLETT (@jordan_ablett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“It’s really difficult from a practical point of view, but also really difficult just being his mum and not being able to hear his voice or know what he needs. When he gets upset, I have to guess what the problem is,” she told the <em><a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/vweekend/the-abletts-cherish-son-levis-smiles-and-laughter-through-his-heartbreaking-silence/news-story/0b0d74ce8510736fbaee0a777786049f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Although I will say, despite him not being able to communicate, I do feel as though I’ve really learnt to understand him over the years - I have had to put a lot of confidence in my parenting.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Jordan said food and drink could also be a challenge for Levi, with a risk of him aspirating if they weren’t blended enough and got into his lungs.</p> <p dir="ltr">She added that a wide team of people at the Royal Children’s Hospital monitored his health, and that being an ambassador for the hospital’s fundraiser was “the absolute least I can do for the kids”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As a mum who relies heavily on the RCH (Royal Children’s Hospital) for my son’s care, I fully understand how important it is that we be generous so that the children can continue to receive world-class care,” she wrote on the Instagram post announcing her role as an ambassador.</p> <p dir="ltr">“These kids are bright lights and we all want to see them shine.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5f16641a-7fff-939c-aace-dd2652052089"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Your support is truly heartfelt by all impacted by the RCH.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMeWQMJMJEk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMeWQMJMJEk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by JORDAN ABLETT (@jordan_ablett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Jordan first opened up about her son’s condition on an episode of <em>The Significant Others</em> podcast, including the moment she and her husband received the news of his diagnosis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just remember sitting with Gaz in that meeting and when they said it, I just remember absolutely breaking down,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s one thing to receive a diagnosis which just confirms that Levi has a rare and degenerative disease.</p> <p dir="ltr">“However, it’s another thing to understand that it is life-threatening and that’s like a whole other ball game and a whole other situation in itself because that stuff you just can’t prepare for.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is a very short life expectancy, which is why I constantly say to people when they ask about Levi that we are literally just taking it day by day because we have no idea what the future holds.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-feef34e8-7fff-ad39-02f7-0c6a74e91120"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Good Friday Appeal (Facebook) </em></p>

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Kerri-Anne Kennerley's appeal for ground-breaking research

<p dir="ltr">Aussie TV star Kerrie-Anne Kennerley has revealed how her late husband inspired her to push for the government to fund “ground-breaking” research into a new treatment for Aussies living with spinal cord injuries.</p> <p dir="ltr">Appearing on <em>Sunrise</em>, Kerrie-Anne said watching the love of her life physically decline prior to his death in 2019, three years after falling off a balcony, was “shocking and horrible”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Anybody who has been in that position of watching a person they love almost disintegrate, not being able to push a button, work a remote, feed themselves, dress themselves, knows that it’s 24/7 care,” she <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/entertainment/kerri-anne-kennerley-pushes-for-spinal-cord-research-funding-after-husbands-tragic-accident-c-5788232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> on Tuesday’s show.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s shocking, it’s terrible, but people live through it.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQvk0tgMo9E/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQvk0tgMo9E/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kak 💁🏼‍♀️ (@kerriannekennerley)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Kerrie-Anne is pushing for people to sign a petition calling for the government to fund a new therapy called neurostimulation.</p> <p dir="ltr">The treatment involves sending electrical impulses through pads that sit on the skin over the spinal cord, and is coupled with physical training to rewire impaired neural pathways.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.spinalcure.org.au/campaigns/projectspark/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SpinalCureAustralia</a>, the organisation behind the petition, are seeking $46 million in federal funding over the next five years to establish a research and treatment program for affected Aussies.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This research is ground-breaking and we’re really hoping that within five years people who suffer paraplegia or quadriplegia will actually get the ability to be able to walk,” Kerri-Anne said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s how far this could go. It’s just such incredibly important research.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The star said she has become “passionate” about the cause due to her own “deep personal experience” with spinal cord injuries.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Imagine somebody who has never walked or hasn’t walked in ten or eleven years taking a step,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All we need people to do is sign the petition, we need to let the pollies know that this is important!”</p> <p dir="ltr">To sign the petition, click <a href="https://www.change.org/p/the-hon-greg-hunt-please-help-we-re-so-close-to-changing-my-life-for-good" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Captain Australia raises over $100K for children’s cancer research

<p dir="ltr">A real-life superhero has set out on a quest to walk 2,000 kilometres in ten weeks to raise funds for children’s cancer research, and has already raised over $100,000 in the process.</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-05e0a1fc-7fff-a021-f4e7-f552e4e20cb6"></span></p><p dir="ltr">Captain Australia, also known as Simon, began his ‘Big Walk’ from Brisbane to Melbourne in December 2021, and hopes to raise $250,000 for the Kids Cancer Project by the time he reaches the finish line.</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/capt-austr-jpg-5f960e.jpg" alt="" width="1279" height="720" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Captain Australia began his journey in Queensland to raise funds to fight kids’ cancer. Image: Captain Australia’s Big Walk</em></p><p dir="ltr">Simon was inspired to undertake the Herculean feat after he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer four years ago.</p><p dir="ltr">“I had a 40-60 percent chance that chemoradiation would beat the disease, and six months to live if it failed. I got lucky,” he said on his fundraising website.</p><p dir="ltr">“But even when you survive cancer, you have to pay a horrible price, dealing with side effects and the threat of recurrence for the rest of your life.</p><p dir="ltr">“No child should have to endure that.”</p><p dir="ltr">This won’t be the first time Simon has undergone a journey of this magnitude, having walked from Brisbane to Sydney to escape a dangerous domestic situation when he was 15.</p><p dir="ltr">During that journey, Simon said he found himself and discovered a renewed sense of hope for the world that he wants to share with kids fighting cancer.</p><p dir="ltr">Simon reached Sydney on February 12, and still has about 700 kilometres left to go.</p><p dir="ltr">When asked where he was on his journey, Simon told <em>OverSixty</em>: "I'm headed for Federation Square in Melbourne which something like 750 kilometres straight down the freeway but I take the long and winding road (less travelled).</p><p dir="ltr">"It's 1200 kilometres plus back to Brisbane but I would easily have come 1400 or more so far so it's hard to say precisely.</p><p dir="ltr">"I've come a long way, literally and figuratively."</p><p dir="ltr">You can support his trek by donating to The Kid’s Cancer Project <a href="https://captain-australias-big-walk.raisely.com/donate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5b1115e1-7fff-beef-18f6-0f950f6c1417"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Captain Australia’s BIG WALK (Facebook)</em></p>

Caring

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“Pint-sized explorer” takes on Kosciusko to honour his late mum

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A six-year-old boy has spent a day conquering Australia’s highest peak for a cause that is incredibly close to him and his family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ollie Finnane, accompanied by his cousins Finn Gibson, ten, and Ted O’Hare, eight, trekked to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko for a good cause: to raise money for the Torie Finnane Foundation, established in honour of Ollie’s late mother.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The boys wanted to do something for the foundation,” Ollie’s dad Liam Finnane told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/torie-finnane-foundation-schoolboy-climbs-mt-kosciuosko-raise-money-for-mum/09f55c71-4a8b-41fc-abb2-148549d06dfa" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">9news.com.au</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“So they set the goal of climbing Australia’s highest peak on Australia Day, and hoped to raise $5000 to $10,000 along the way.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When they made it back to Thredbo on Thursday night, they discovered the figure was well over $20,000.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There was no whinging and no sore feet,” Liam said.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLHV_BPK-w/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLHV_BPK-w/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Torie Finnane Foundation (@toriefinnanefoundation)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Torie Finnane, Ollie’s mum, was a popular and respected midwife at the Orange Hospital, in the city of Orange in NSW’s central west.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In December 2020, while celebrating the birth of her third child Maisie and the family’s first night at home as a family of five, Torie began experiencing headaches.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Within just a few days, Torie had succumbed to bacterial meningitis, passing away in the very same hospital where she had assisted in the birth of so many babies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her death greatly affected the close-knit community, with Liam now caring for three children under five on his own.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With her family and friends wanting to honour her passion for healthcare, the Torie Finnane Foundation was established in December 2021 - a year after Torie’s passing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The foundation aims to provide the highest quality midwifery and nursing services in regional areas by purchasing much-needed equipment and providing training scholarships and placements.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through the foundation, regional midwives and special care nurses will spend a month training and learning from experienced obstetricians in Sydney, before returning to regional areas to utilise their skills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Investing in nurses and midwives means we invest in patient safety and clinical care in our community,” Orange Hospital General Manager Catherine Nowlan told the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ABC</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in December.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ollie, Finn and Ted’s climb marks one of the first fundraising efforts for the foundation, with their climb announced on social media little over a month before it began.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkB9rGPx3K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkB9rGPx3K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Torie Finnane Foundation (@toriefinnanefoundation)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Look at these little legends! Meet Torie’s son Ollie Finnane (6), nephew Ted O’Hare (8) and nephew Finn Gibson (10),” a post on the foundation’s Instagram page reads.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“These pint sized explorers are going to tackle a 13km walk across the top of Mt Kosciuszko on Australia Day to honour Torie, with the aim to raise $10,000 for TFF.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We thought we can make a difference,” Liam said after the climb.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Even on Kosciuszko, people saw the boys in their Torie Finnane Foundation shirts and were offering them cash halfway up the mountain.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.toriefinnanefoundation.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">foundation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is still accepting donations, with the first nurse placements expected to start later this year.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @toriefinnanefoundation (Instagram)</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Millions raised for useless treatments

<p>Crowdfunding campaigns have raised millions of dollars toward medical treatments that are unsafe or unsupported, a new study finds.</p> <p>More than 1000 crowdfunding campaigns, mostly through the site GoFundMe, have raised more than $US6.7 million to treat cancer, brain or spinal cord injury, and chronic Lyme disease, using therapies that are dangerous or ineffective, <a rel="noopener" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2018.10264" target="_blank">according to research</a> appearing in the journal JAMA, led by Ford Vox of the Shepherd Centre in Atlanta, US.</p> <p>“Assuming that the funds raised are spent to pay for these treatments, donors indirectly contributed millions of dollars to practitioners to deliver dubious, possibly unsafe care,” Vox and his team write.</p> <p>The study, which looked at fund-raising efforts since November 2015, identified campaigns that sought to raise money for homeopathic or naturopathic approaches to cancer, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and stem cell treatments for brain and spinal cord injury, and long-term antibiotic therapy for “chronic Lyme disease”.</p> <p>“Homeopathic treatments for cancer and HBOT for brain injury are ineffective,” the authors write. “Stem cell therapy for central nervous system injury and long term antibiotic therapy for chronic Lyme disease can result in serious adverse events.”</p> <p>The diseases and treatments were selected for “clinical experience and visibility”.</p> <p>The researchers looked at four crowdfunding sites that allow medical campaigns: GoFundMe, YouCaring, CrowdRise, and FundRazr. All but 2% of the campaigns that met the study’s criteria were found on GoFundMe.</p> <p>“The present study … suggests that medical crowdfunding is being used for multiple problematic treatments,” the researchers write.</p> <p>Some 474 campaigns – nearly half of those that fitted the study’s guidelines – were for homeopathic or naturopathic cancer treatments, representing $US3.5 million in donations.</p> <p>Overall, medical campaigns on GoFundMe raised $US3 billion overall in 2016, up $US1 billion from the previous year. Vox and his team note that the campaigns “can fill insurance gaps”, but problems arise when the funds are directed toward questionable practitioners.</p> <p>Of course, some patients pay for their own dangerous care. Last year, it was revealed that three people in Florida, US, had <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1609583?query=TOC" target="_blank">lost their eyesight</a> after paying for stem cell treatments at a facility they thought was conducting a clinical trial.</p> <p>The news <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/opinion-regulators-need-to-protect-stem-cell-promise" target="_blank">sparked calls for increased regulation</a> of clinics, which “are marketing so-called stem cell treatments without first showing that they work or are safe”, as Megan Munsie and Claire Tanner from researcher collaboration Stem Cells Australia wrote in Cosmos earlier this year.</p> <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p23039-o1" class="wpcf7"> <p style="display: none !important;"> </p> <p><!-- Chimpmail extension by Renzo Johnson --></p> </div> </div> <!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --> <p><img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=23039&amp;title=Millions+raised+for+useless+treatments" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p> <!-- End of tracking content syndication --> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/crowd-funders-raise-millions-for-useless-cancer-stem-cell-treatments/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/samantha-page">Samantha Page</a>. Samantha Page is a science journalist based in Spain.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Money & Banking

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“I don’t think I can do this”: Serena Williams shares heartbreaking news

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Serena Williams has shared the moment she broke down while revealing her close friend’s battle with pancreatic cancer, with the hope of raising awareness for the disease.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Serena </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/serena-williams-breaks-down-in-emotional-video/1316f7d2-0262-4e1d-92d5-ecb561b4e2d1" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">shared a short clip</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to Twitter and was emotional while speaking about her friend Dr Esther Lee.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">My friend Esther is in treatment for pancreatic cancer. I've joined Team Esther for the LA Cancer Challenge 5K on on October 31st to raise awareness and do my part to help find a cure. Register and make a donation today! <a href="https://t.co/Egqv0UdHKO">https://t.co/Egqv0UdHKO</a> <a href="https://t.co/491clTcVO9">pic.twitter.com/491clTcVO9</a></p> — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1451590492102201349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Last year, my friend Esther was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and she’s been by my side whenever I’ve needed her,” Williams said, visibly tearing up and struggling to speak.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t think I can do this, this is going to be too hard.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My dear friend Esther has been a huge part of my own health journey, and now she needs our help as she battles pancreatic cancer.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Lee, a physiotherapist, has worked with Serena and her sister Venus throughout their tennis careers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the clip, Williams said she would be supporting her close friend by taking part in the LA Cancer Challenge 5K initiative, with proceeds from her fundraising going towards pancreatic research.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Esther has been named the honorary starter for the LA Cancer Challenge 5K walk-run on October 31st in UCLA, benefiting the Hirshberg Foundation for pancreatic cancer research,” Williams said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My family and I have joined Team Esther to help support everyone fighting this disease. Please join us as we raise awareness and race towards a cure by finding and advancing critical research.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The tennis champion has previously credited Dr Lee with saving her life, after Williams developed a blood clot that could have killed her if she hadn’t of followed her friend’s advice to go to hospital.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I didn’t want to go and she told me, ‘You got to go,’ and that was the beginning of stuff that was really bad but ended up being good for me,” Williams told reporters in 2012.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’ve thanked her so many times for that because it literally could have been life-changing.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @serenawilliams / Twitter</span></em></p>

Relationships

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Family of Captain Sir Tom Moore announce fundraising event to mark 101st birthday

<p>Captain Sir Tom Moore’s family is continuing his legacy by announcing a new fundraising event on what would have been his 101st<br />birthday.</p> <p>The WWII veteran made global headlines when he spent his quarantine days walking 100 laps around his back garden ahead of his 100th<br />birthday.</p> <p>He ended up raising £33 million (AUD $60 million) for the National Health Service (NHS) – breaking the Just Giving record for the largest sum of money raised through a single campaign.</p> <p>To mark his birthday on April 30, the family have launched The Captain Tom 100.</p> <p>"We want people to go crazy and create their own 100 - a challenge around the number 100," his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-56641436" target="_blank" title="BBC"><em>BBC</em></a>.</p> <p>"Because he was 100 and he was so proud to be 100."</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840582/captain-tom-moore.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c862a02d993b46b9a734736412a8be4d" /></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p>Ms Ingram-Moore went on to say: "I really hope people see this [100 challenge] for what it is, which is an absolute chance to bring joy, put money back into charities and support the Captain Tom Foundation, which after all is the legacy of hope that he's left us."</p> <p>The family is encouraging people to get out and raise money by doing 100 of something, whether it is baking 100 cupcakes or climbing 100 steps.</p> <p>"It is probably my deepest regret that he is not here but I can do nothing about that. What we can do is deliver something sensational on his birthday," Ms Ingram-Moore told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/14550471/captain-tom-moore-100-challenge-charity/" target="_blank" title="The Sun"><em>The Sun</em></a>.</p> <p>"My father was so proud to have made it to 100 and so much happened in that year that he was one hundred. It's a great number, so we felt compelled to keep it.</p> <p>"One hundred is synonymous with him around the world so it had to be 100."</p> <p>Captain Tom Moore died on February 2 due to COVID-19 complications – the very cause he raised money for.</p>

Caring

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Reality star raises over $1 million in just 16 hours for stricken baby

<p>A social media influencer has raised over £1m (AUD$1.8m) in less than a day to help his daughter get life-saving treatment for leukaemia.</p> <p>Ashley Cain, who appeared on the MTV series Ex on the Beach, wrote on Instagram on Saturday that he and his partner Safiyya Vorajee, also an influencer, "are on our knees asking for help" after their seven-month-old, Azaylia, had a leukaemia relapse.</p> <p>The baby requires a year-long CAR-T therapy, plus a haplo transplant, for the best chance of survival, Cain wrote.</p> <p>It only took 16 hours after the post went up for Cain to hit the £1m target after more than 83,000 people donated.</p> <p>The 30-year-old said: “After long discussions and a global outreach for treatment, our consultants along with consultants from around the world have come to the conclusion that the ONLY option to save a minimum period of 1 year.</p> <p>“Because of the aggressiveness of Azaylia’s disease, we don’t have time on our side and we may have to fly out within a matter of weeks. Azaylia is such a strong little girl who has fought through every near impossible battle so far and she has done it all with love in her heart and a smile on her face!”</p> <p>Cain and Vorajee welcomed Azaylia in August, and learned their baby was suffering from leukemia at eight weeks old.</p> <p>“Azaylia had a frighteningly high leukemia count plus tumours in her spleen, stomach, lungs and kidneys which put her in critical condition and resulted in her being put into intensive care,” Cain wrote on the fundraising page.</p> <p>“The doctors warned us that there was a high probability that she wouldn’t survive past the first round of chemotherapy due to the aggressiveness and rareness of her disease combined with her age.”</p> <p>The couple, who have already surpassed their fundraising target, said they will donate any extra money to “other children and their families in the same situation”.</p>

Caring

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"Beacon of hope": Captain Sir Thomas Moore's daughter speaks out

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>The daughter of Sir Captain Thomas Moore has spoken out about her father and how he was a "beacon of hope" to many.</p> <p>Hannah Ingram-Moore said that it has been "really difficult" since the death of her father, who passed away from COVID-19 on the 2nd of February.</p> <p>"I mean what a journey we've been on and what a beacon of hope and light he has been to the world," she told show hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. "We miss him terribly but we know his legacy lives on."</p> <p>Sir Thomas shot to worldwide fame after raising more than $42 million for health services and charities in the UK and was even knighted by the Queen for his efforts.</p> <p>Piers spoke about being contacted by Sir Tom on Twitter.</p> <p>"It really touched me as it touched everybody in the country," Morgan continued.</p> <p>"Did you ever imagine Hannah that you'd end up with your dad not just raising nearly £40million for the NHS but also being knighted having a number one pop record, being a GQ cover star, a man of the year, winning a Pride of Britain award... I mean he achieved more in nine months than most people do in their entire lifetime."</p> <p>Hannah described the experience as "almost indescribable".</p> <p>"We were just an ordinary family, just like everybody else. But yes, we sat here thinking what can we do to help fight the pandemic in those very early days, raise a thousand pounds? And that was it, there was nothing more to it."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">‘What a beacon of hope and light he became to the world.’<br /><br />‘We miss him terribly.’<br /><br />Captain Sir Tom Moore’s funeral will be held on Saturday. <br /><br />His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore speaks to <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@piersmorgan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/susannareid100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@susannareid100</a> about losing her father. <a href="https://t.co/zWM1zcRxn4">pic.twitter.com/zWM1zcRxn4</a></p> — Good Morning Britain (@GMB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GMB/status/1364128077685653506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>She also mentioned that her father left specific instructions for his funeral.</p> <p>"He was very clear he wanted us to eat Victoria sponge cake and sandwiches afterwards," she said, adding that he wants his tombstone to read: "I told you I was old."</p> <p>She laughed when explaining the tombstone.</p> <p>Hannah also asked the British public that even though many will want to pay their respects, they are asking people to stay away due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p> <p><em>Photo credits: Good Morning Britain</em></p> </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

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“True national treasure”: Moore to be knighted by the Queen

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Captain Tom Moore captured hearts around the world as he walked laps around his garden to raise money for NHS charities. He has since raised more than £33m ($AUD 61m) and is set to receive a knighthood for his heroic fundraising efforts, which is news he is “delighted” by.</p> <p>Downing Street confirmed the news on Tuesday, with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying that Moore is a “beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus”.</p> <p>"Colonel Tom’s fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus," Johnson said in a statement.</p> <p>"On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He's a true national treasure."</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth approved the knighthood and it will formally be announced later today.</p> <p>She also acknowledged his efforts with a personalised birthday card. It is tradition that the Queen sends letters to all British centenarians, but Moore’s card contained a message specific to his fundraising efforts.</p> <p>"I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday on 30th April, 2020," it read.</p> <p>"I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time. I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion."</p> <p>Prince William has also written to Moore to congratulate him on his amazing achievement.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">We sent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaptainTomMoore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaptainTomMoore</a> a special message from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. 🥰 Watch his reaction below...⤵️<a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KensingtonRoyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/captaintommoore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@captaintommoore</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WalkWithTom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WalkWithTom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCBreakfast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCBreakfast</a><br />More here: <a href="https://t.co/wy1ixmuA2E">https://t.co/wy1ixmuA2E</a> <a href="https://t.co/U2oPdwbZA7">pic.twitter.com/U2oPdwbZA7</a></p> — BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/status/1251029611942739968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>"It's wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his story and his determination. I think he's a one man fundraising machine," Prince William said in an interview with the BBC. "Good on him and I hope he keeps going."</p> </div> </div> </div>

Retirement Life

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Tragic twist in deaths of twin sisters who passed away in bed next to mum

<p>Twin sisters who died while sleeping in bed next to their mother were reportedly “miracle babies”, according to a close friend of the family.</p> <p>Violet and Indiana passed away after being found unconscious in bed with blankets covering them in their home in Brisbane.</p> <p>The twin sisters had been born just six weeks earlier.</p> <p>'They did want to extend their family and it was probably going to be the last throw of the dice for them,' family friend Kieran Garratt told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/little-girls-were-last-hope-for-extended-family/news-story/abe7ca6bd95c3ac2db8cb0a226444844" target="_blank">The Courier Mail</a></em>.</p> <p>The father is said to be beside himself with grief as his two-year-old son who was diagnosed with autism doesn’t understand that the babies are gone.</p> <p>“We're in a very dark place. But we have to keep going for our other children. Our son is walking around the house looking for the babies. He loved them so much,” the father said, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/brisbane-twin-girls-die-in-cosleeping-accident-grieving-father-tells-of-heartbreak/news-story/0a459ff91ae80ed6c7a252f3e1ece787" target="_blank">The Courier Mail</a></em>.</p> <p>Garratt confirmed this to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/heartbreaking-twist-in-the-deaths-of-twin-girls-who-died-while-sleeping-in-bed-with-their-mum-as-friend-reveals-the-babies-were-a-last-roll-of-the-dice-to-extend-the-young-family/ar-BBXJhtZ?li=AAgfYrC" target="_blank">MSN</a></em>.</p> <p>“The boy has been pretty hurt by it,” he said.</p> <p>“Being autistic he doesn't have a line of communication, if you like.</p> <p>“He was always touching them very gently and, in some ways, he was more connected to them than his bigger sister.”</p> <p>The couple also have an older daughter who is almost five, who knows about what happened to her siblings, but it hasn’t sunk in yet.</p> <p>“We told her the truth. We didn't say they had fallen asleep… we told her they died. She's on the trampoline calling out to me to come and jump with her. She's saying, 'Daddy come play with me'', but I just can't. I say, '’sweet girl, I can't'’,” he said.</p> <p>The twin’s grandfather told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7755375/Brisbane-sleeping-tragedy-Father-tells-daughter-autistic-son-newborn-twin-sisters-died.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a></em><span> </span>that the family are struggling to cope.</p> <p>“It's every parent's worst nightmare what they are facing... they've been through hell,” he said.</p> <p>Friends of the couple have created a<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-twin-angels-of-brisbane" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a> page to ease the financial burden on the family, as they are planning to move out of the place they’ve called home for two years. The appeal has raised more than $22,000 in the six days since it’s been launched.</p> <p><em>Photo credits: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-twin-angels-of-brisbane">GoFundMe</a></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Bunnings to support bushfire victims with national sausage sizzle fundraiser

<p>Aussies have one more reason to grab a snag on their Bunnings visit as the hardware giant is set to hold a national sausage sizzle fundraiser to support bushfire and drought victims across New South Wales and Queensland.</p> <p>On Friday, November 22, the barbecues outside Bunnings stores across Australia will be selling snags in partnership with non-profit organisation GIVIT, with proceedings going towards communities affected by drought and bushfires.</p> <p>“As a part of those local communities who have been affected, we want to help,” Bunnings chief operating officer Debbie Poole said in a statement.</p> <p>“Many of our regional teams have already been assisting impacted communities on a local level but we had team members from all over Australia also wanting to lend a hand for these two important causes.”</p> <p>GIVIT chief executive officer Sarah Tennant said her organisation will help direct the funds to where it is needed most.</p> <p>“We guarantee 100 per cent of all funds raised through Bunnings will be used to purchase essential items for those affected,” Tennant said.</p> <p>“We are also committed to purchasing locally wherever possible to support the economic recovery of these affected areas.”</p> <p>Various organisations, including <a href="https://quickweb.westpac.com.au/OnlinePaymentServlet?cd_community=NSWRFS&amp;cd_currency=AUD&amp;cd_supplier_business=DONATIONS&amp;action=EnterDetails">NSW Rural Fire Service</a>, <a href="https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal">Salvation Army</a> and <a href="https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-bushfires">Red Cross</a>, have launched appeals for financial donations to assist people, communities and wildlife affected by the blazes.</p> <p>Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has raised more than $552,000 through their <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-thirsty-koalas-devastated-by-recent-fires">GoFundMe page</a> to assist<span> in helping koala and wildlife survival</span>.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Prince Frederik pulls out of fundraiser over health setback

<p>Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark has been forced to pull out of a fundraiser, the Amalienborg Palace has confirmed in a statement.</p> <p>The official event was launched last year in honour of the 51-year-old’s birthday.</p> <p>The unfortunate news comes after the royal heir was diagnosed with a small disc herniation after he pulled out a few months ago from all work commitments after surgery for a herniated disc.</p> <p>“Even though this is a minor damage, the Crown Prince runs the risk of worsening the condition if he runs at 10km distances in this year's Royal Run,” the palace statement read.</p> <p>Those who are planning to compete in the annual 10km Royal Run, which is set to take place in June, will have to run without Prince Frederik beside them.</p> <p>Although the longer stretches will not be completed by the royal member, he will still take part in the shorter distance run in Aarhus, where all ages are welcome to compete the 1.6km trek.</p> <p>In September 2018, the husband to Australian-born Princess Mary was hospitalised with a small injury.</p> <p>Princess Mary will be taking part in the 5km Royal Run in Aalborg this year, although it is unknown if their four children will also be taking part.</p>

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