Carrie Bickmore on grief, resilience and making a difference in life

Ten years ago, when Carrie Bickmore got up on stage to accept the Gold Logie – and delivered one of the most profoundly moving speeches ever heard at TV’s night of nights – few could understand the extent of how nervous she was.

So nervous, in fact, that she almost didn’t give the speech at all.

Five years earlier, Carrie had lost her husband and fellow radio broadcaster Greg Lange to brain cancer.

Greg was just 35. His joyous spirit is remembered by all who had the privilege of working alongside him, myself included.

Continuing Greg’s legacy, Carrie – known as one of the most down-to-earth and genuine people in this industry – started her own charity: Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer. She decided that, if she won the Gold Logie, she’d talk about it on stage that night.

On the Hit Network’s Carrie & Tommy Drive show, Carrie shared with Tommy how she wanted her speech to focus on something that truly meant something to her.

“That’s when I came up with the beanie idea, because Greg had worn lots of beanies to keep his scars covered,” she said.

“I drove out to a factory to get a handful of beanies put under the tables of all the people in the auditorium, so that if I did win, I could ask them to put one on.”

Carrie says she was incredibly nervous.

“I’ve spoken before about my anxiety disorder, and the idea of standing in front of a room full of my peers – even now – still makes me anxious. I thought ‘How will get through the speech? I’ll probably have a panic attack.’”

Carrie says right up until the last moment, she almost backed out.

“I am so glad I didn’t.”

To mark the 10-year anniversary of Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer, Carrie is relaunching the fundraising campaign that has raised more than $24 million for brain cancer research by taking on one of her biggest personal challenges yet: the Big 5 Marathon in South Africa.

Carrie is platforming her endeavour and efforts to raise money for the charity through the national Drive show, as Carrie & Tommy take listeners inside the journey to South Africa and discuss the impact of brain cancer.

Carrie also sat down with 2024 Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer and his wife Katie Nicoll for a raw and emotional conversation about life after Richard’s brain tumour diagnosis and the courage he found to keep going.

Richard – a world-leading pathologist and researcher – is living with an aggressive brain tumour.

In a deeply human conversation, Richard and Katie talk with Carrie about family, grief, resilience and purpose.

Of his second diagnosis, Richard said “I haven’t given up. There are still opportunities out there. That’s a reflection of many people – and me included.”

“The fact I’m still alive and the three of us are able to have a conversation gives me some hope.”

Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging and underfunded diseases in Australia. Despite its devastating impact, treatment options are limited, with survival rates remaining virtually unchanged for over three decades.

Richard says “Katie is a wonderful person and I’m so proud and happy that she’s supporting me as we go through this difficult period.”

“Everyone’s life only has a set period with one person … make the most of it, Katie, even after I leave this world.”

Katie tells of how – in one moment – everything in life can change.

“You never go back to how you were before, or your naivety with how dramatically things can change, and the impact that one moment has on everyone around Richard: the kids, family, friends, and for Richard himself.”

“You look one moment ahead, and you do what needs to be done.”

Listen to Carrie and Tommy on the Hit Network from 3-6pm weekdays, also on LiSTNR.