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King Charles' special tribute to Holocaust survivor

King Charles has paid tribute to Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, who has died aged 100. The Hungarian-born British writer died peacefully at home in north London. She was the eldest of six children and was freed from Auschwitz at the age of 20, almost 80 years ago, as her mother and two younger siblings were killed in the gas chambers. She migrated to the UK in 1967 with her husband and began educating the world about the horrors of the Holocaust. Since then, her story and resilience has touched millions worldwide, including King Charles, who met her in 2015 when she joined him to light one of six remembrance candles in London for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. Last year, he made her an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in recognition of her services to Holocaust education. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the monarch said "it was with the greatest sadness" that he had heard of her death. "As a survivor of the unmentionable horrors of the Holocaust, I am so proud that she later found a home in Britain where she continued to tell the world of the horrendous atrocities she had witnessed, as a permanent reminder for our generation – and, indeed, for future generations – of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall, when reason, compassion and truth are abandoned," he said. "Alongside other Holocaust survivors, she became an integral part of the fabric of our nation; her extraordinary resilience and courage an example to us all, which will never be forgotten." In 2021, Charles, who was the Prince of Wales described how he had been personally inspired throughout his own life by the stories of survivors and their bravery and personal sacrifice. At the unveiling of the Queen's Gallery in London, Ebert told him: "Meeting you, it is for everyone who lost their lives." To which the King replied: "But it is a greater privilege for me." Ebert's great-grandson Dov Forman, who helped co-write her book How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live, paid tribute to the family's "beloved matriarch", known as Safta on social media. "Over the years, Safta's story touched hundreds of millions worldwide, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked hatred," he began. "She taught us the power of tolerance and faith, the importance of speaking out, and the need to stand against prejudice. "Safta was the queen of our large, loving family. With a surviving daughter and son – remembering a daughter who pre-deceased her – 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, her legacy lives on in each of us. "She rebuilt her life with faith and love, never asking, 'Why me?'. Instead, she focused on what could be rebuilt from the ashes, and her positivity continues to guide us through these difficult times. "As we mourn our beloved Mummy, Safta, we also celebrate her extraordinary life. "A light that shone so brightly has gone dark. She was our hero, and her absence leaves an unimaginable void in our lives." Images: Arthur Edwards/WPA Pool/ Shutterstock Editorial

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Hunter Valley crash survivor's demands of killer bus driver

A man who survived the devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley in June 2023 that claimed the lives of 10 people has confronted the man who was behind the wheel with an emotional victim statement in court. On that fateful day, Brett Button was transporting wedding guests to the reception venue when the bus flipped at a roundabout at Greta, with the crash claiming the lives of 10 people and injuring another 25 passengers. As a result, Button, 59, has pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including dangerous driving occasioning death and grievous bodily harm, appearing before Newcastle District Court on Tuesday to hear emotional victim statements from survivors and family members of those who were killed. Taking the stand to deliver his impact statement following a day and a half of hearings, one survivor demanded Button look at him before telling him he'd trapped him in a “bus of hell”. “My friends didn’t deserve to die, the others didn’t deserve to die,” he said. “The families here don’t deserve to be here. My future has been destroyed because of your actions. I can no longer be the person I was. The intergenerational trauma you have caused is enormous.” Earlier on Tuesday, Steve Symons, whose son Kane died in the crash, fought back tears to tell Button about how his son had seized on a “second chance” after a childhood injury only to have it “cruelly” robbed from him. “Kane’s death has shattered our lives. It has left an unrepairable void. He was a vibrant and ambitious young man who had been given a rare second chance at life,” Mr Symons told the court. “He lived with an acute awareness of just how precious life is and embraced every moment of it. To lose him now after he was given that second chance at life is both cruel and unjust.” Zachary Bray was also given a “second chance” after a battle with stage-3 bowel cancer, as his mother, Jackie, said he “always chose the right path” in another emotional statement. “In many ways, Zac was the perfect child if there ever was one. He just wanted to please and did so his entire life, making his family, friends and colleagues proud in everything he did,” she said. “He and his friends did what they were told to do: have a plan B. They trusted the bus driver would get them home safely, but my son who did everything right still didn’t make it home." “Zac got a death sentence, and his family and friends got a life sentence.” At least 35 people are expected to provide witness impact statements to the court during a marathon three-day sentence hearing that began on Monday morning before Judge Roy Ellis, who is expected to hand down his sentence to Button on Wednesday. Andrew Scott, 35, and wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash on June 11th 2023, with the crash now known as one of Australia's worst ever fatal road incidents. Image credits: Getty Images

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Aussie cancer survivor bags Olympic medal

Australian cyclist Matthew Glaetzer has won his first ever medal at his fourth and final Olympic games. After overcoming injury, heartbreak and even thyroid cancer, the 31-year-old, dubbed by many as cycling's unluckiest man, has finally won a bronze medal. Two years before the Tokyo Olympics, the athlete received a thyroid cancer diagnosis, surgery and treatment. He was then hit by a series of injuries including a torn calf, oblique complaint and bulging disc in his back, but that didn't stop him from competing in Tokyo. While he didn't win any medals, he refused to let a career of near-misses define him and finally achieved bronze in the team sprint alongside Leigh Hoffman and Matt Richardson this year. “It was elation — I was so pumped when I saw that ‘three’ ... on the scoreboard,” Glaetzer said after the race. “It’s very special to finally win an Olympic medal. We were definitely aiming for better — we felt like we could have been in the gold (ride-off).” In the lead-up to the Games, he said that his wife Nikki helped ensure he did not make a rash decision after Tokyo. “I wouldn’t be here without her — I was actually pretty close to giving the sport away after Tokyo,” he said. “For us to be a team together and figure out we have some unfinished business, to push to Paris, has been a feat. “I’m pretty proud to be here.” Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com/ Shutterstock Editorial

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Bondi stabbing survivor recalls terrifying ordeal

Stabbing survivor Liya Barko has recalled the moment she came face-to-face with Joel Cauchi in Bondi Junction Westfield, while also sharing how she is still physically and mentally recovering from the incident. The 35-year-old student and cleaner from Ukraine was one of hundreds of shoppers in Bondi Junction Westfield on April 13th, as she entered the shopping centre to purchase a volleyball. In the middle of her errand, she ran into Joel Cauchi during his stabbing rampage. “I think he just looked at me and he decided in that moment, and then I looked at my hands and I was bleeding,‘ Ms Barko said to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/bondi-junction-stabbing-survivor-recalls-april-13-attack/8ce9d1f2-727a-4767-a23f-886e4e22be84" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. Cauchi reportedly spoke to Ms Barko after attacking her, with Ms Barko alleging he said “catch you” before continuing his rampage through the centre. Another shopper ran to help Ms Barko following her attack: a man in a green shirt who she is still trying to find and express her thanks. The man dragged Ms Barko to safety inside a store and stemmed the blood flow from her stab wound. "When you are on the floor, you’re bleeding, you can see everyone’s expression and some of them were crying, they were scared … for their lives also,” she said. “I would like to see him again, to at least give him a hug, because I don’t know how we would have managed without him in that moment.” The next thing Ms Barko remembers after being stabbed is waking up in the hospital and seeing the friendly face of her doctor, whose positivity kept her going in difficult times of her healing process. “I just remember (he had a) just so, so open smile and happy face,” she said. “He was so happy, I have never seen someone really so happy." “I thought okay, if I die right now, I’ll just destroy his shift. So I can’t die right now because he’s just so happy.” Like many who were affected by the stabbing, Ms Barko, who has been unable to return to work since the stabbing, still has so many unanswered questions about that fateful day. “My question is how it happened? Why a schizophrenic man was there outside with a knife making a normal Saturday afternoon, he just turn it into hell?” Up to eighteen people were stabbed at Bondi Westfield, with five dead on-site and one woman dying later in hospital. Those killed were Faraz Tahir, 30, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Dawn Singleton, 25, Pikria Dachria, 55 and Yixuan Cheng, 27. Image credits: Nine / Facebook

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Cancer survivor slapped with $15,000 water bill

An Aussie man has been slapped with a $15,645.86 water bill after the Goulburn Mulwaree Council claimed he had used more than 35,000 litres a day over 104 days. Anthony, who lives on his own in the Southern Tablelands, said that his bill is normally around $290 and that he uses about 130 litres of water a day, the average amount a person would use according to Sydney Water. "A 15-and-a-half thousand dollar water bill, they can go and get themselves nicked," he told A Current Affair. "I'm not paying it, no way in the world." The local mechanic is a cancer survivor, but the disease has made it difficult for him to communicate, so he went to a council meeting with his father, Neil, who talked on his behalf. "I couldn't believe it when he showed me the bill," Neil said. "Currently now, we're at this point in stage where we can't get any reasonable common sense from the council. "I said, 'It's got to be the crook meter', and she said, 'We've had a lot of meters tested and they've all come back positive. "And I said, 'What about this meter?' and she said, 'It'll cost you $50 to have it tested but there'll be nothing wrong with it'." Anthony is accused of using more than 3.6million litres of water, which is equivalent to filling two Olympic sized swimming pools - or having five taps running all-day. He has received multiple emails from the local council asking him to prove his claim. The local mechanic also said that he received an overdue bill notice ordering him to pay it immediately. "I got an email saying I can have a payment plan and all the rest of it... like, get real," he said. "I'm not going to pay it." Anthony uses his own water tank to water his lawn, fill his fishpond and wash his car, and only uses town waters to wash up and shower. He has been asked to prepare a detailed letter of his water usage, which will be presented at a council meeting later this month. Image: Nine

Money & Banking

Deadly mushroom lunch survivor speaks out for the first time

The man who survived the deadly mushroom lunch in Victoria last year has spoken out for the first time, sharing what has kept him going through the tragedy. Pastor Ian Wilkinson, 70, was hospitalised for ingesting the poison, which claimed the lives of his wife Heather, his brother Don and his sister-in-law Gail, after attending lunch at Erin Patterson's home on July 29th 2023. Ms Patterson has since been charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder after inviting her ex-husband’s family over to her home for lunch and allegedly serving them the poisoned dish. Six months on, Ian Wilkinson addressed his congregation as he returned to the Korumburra Baptist Church on Sunday for the first time since the alleged poisoning, saying it had been a “big week” full of milestones for him. “At the start of the week it was six months since Heather, Gail and Don went to be with the Lord …” he told the congregation. “Friday was my birthday and yesterday was our 45th wedding anniversary." “So it’s been a pretty big week but I am grateful for all that God has given me, God has done through me.” The week prior marked 25 years since he first took on the role of pastor of the Korumburra parish, with the parishioners offering him a small gift following the sermon. Mr Wilkinson seemed overcome with emotion during parts his sermon, sharing with the congregation that he was grateful to be back after a terrifying two-month stint in the hospital while he fought for his life after the poisoning. “The ways are sometimes hard but God is good. He’s with us,” he said. “He promised to never leave … and I can say, that is true.” Image credits: Supplied

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Cancer survivor becomes world's strongest great-grandmother

An Australian great-grandmother has become a world-record holder for an impressive feat in the gym. Heather Maddern, 80, found a new love of weightlifting after she decided to hit the gym to regain strength after beating cancer three times. Now, she is officially the world's strongest great-grandmother. "I hold the Australian and world record for an 80-year-old lady. It's amazing," she told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/great-grandmother-strongest-powerlifting-world-records/ffe9aa0e-9fc9-40b5-b8ff-d8744b37de0c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. "I just absolutely love the life I am living and I put it all down to powerlifting." Maddern, who suffers from Parkinsons, lifted the record-breaking 80kgs in Brisbane at a powerlifting competition, saying she is "absolutely chuffed" to break the world record for her age group. Reflecting on the moment she broke the record, Maddern said, "I just put it [the bar] down and went through the crowd with a big smile on my face, I was absolutely chuffed." Before the great-grandmother discovered her love for lifting weights, she was barely able to walk up and down stairs due to extensive chemotherapy and radiation to treat her cancer, and decided to make a change. "I was very weak, my posture wasn't very good. I was extremely tired. I knew I had to do something to change it, otherwise it would keep getting worse and worse," she said. Her coach, Jill Cox, said, "We had to help Heather walk down the stairs to get into the gym. She is inspirational. what she can do, anybody can do." Heather's life has changed drastically since she regularly started going to the gym, and despite being 80 years old, she has never felt better. "My son six months ago thought I was totally crazy, now they are all so very proud of me," she said. "I just feel so fit. Mentally I feel clearer headed and happy all of the time." Image credits: A Current Affair

Body

Injured mother and son finally reunited after Daylesford crash

Two survivors of the Daylesford crash have been reunited in hospital, nearly two weeks after the tragedy that claimed the lives of five people. Among those killed were Vivek Bahtia and his 11-year-old son Vihaan, while his 36-year-old wife Ruchi and younger son, aged six, were injured and taken to separate hospitals. Now, Ruchi and her six-year-old boy have been reunited at the Royal Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, after a gruelling 11 days apart. After the emotional reunion, the mother was taken back to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to continue treatment. Members of their family told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/car-accidents-melbourne/daylesford-pub-crash-victim-update-as-surviving-mum-and-son-reunite-c-12574232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a> that the mother and son still have a long way to go in their recovery, and are also devastated by the loss of their family. To help the grieving family, a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/daylesford-tragedy-helping-the-bhatia-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page was set up after the crash to help cover medical and funeral costs, with the page raising more than $140,000. “We request the community to get behind the Bhatia family — Vivek and his 11-year-old son have lost their lives and Ruchi and her youngest son are hospitalised,” the fundraiser, organised by family friends Preet Singh and Ruby Kaur, states. “It will be a long way to recovery and to get over this unbearable loss.” Last week, Ruchi’s friend Ruby Kaur told 7News the mother didn’t see the car coming before it hit her family. “They were enjoying their meal and then she woke up at the hospital. She says she does not know anything. She did not even see the car coming,” she said. Kaur said Ruchi has been asking questions about the crash, mainly about the driver. “She’s asking: ‘Where is that person? Why did he do that?’,” Kaur said. The driver, a 66-year-old man, has been questioned by police, but no charges have been laid as their investigation continues. Image credits: Facebook

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"Immense relief": Death cap mushroom survivor released from hospital

Ian Wilkinson, the survivor of a suspected mushroom poisoning incident, has been discharged from Melbourne's Austin Hospital after spending two months in critical condition following a family gathering. Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor residing in the quaint South Gippsland town of Korrumburra, was among four individuals who fell seriously ill after consuming a beef Wellington dish suspected to have been contaminated with death cap mushrooms. Tragically, Wilkinson's wife, Heather, lost her life in the aftermath, as did Heather's sister, Gail Patterson, and her husband, Don. Ian managed to pull through, and his release from the hospital marked a significant milestone in his recovery. The Wilkinson family expressed their profound gratitude towards the hospital staff for their relentless dedication and exceptional care during this challenging period. "We are pleased to announce that Ian Wilkinson has made significant progress in his recovery and was released from Austin Hospital on Friday," the family said in a statement. "This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family. "The Wilkinson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Leongatha, Dandenong and Austin Hospitals for their unwavering dedication and exceptional care that played a pivotal role in Ian's recovery. "The medical team's expertise and compassion have been a source of comfort and hope throughout this journey. "Additionally, the family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes from the Korumburra community, church, friends, family, and colleagues. "This collective kindness has been a pillar of strength for Ian and the family, reinforcing the sense of unity and compassion that defines our community. "As Ian continues his journey towards full recovery, the Wilkinson family kindly requests that their privacy be respected." Meanwhile, the woman responsible for preparing the ill-fated meal, Erin Patterson, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/details-of-erin-patterson-s-police-statement-around-fatal-mushroom-meal-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remains a suspect</a> as police homicide detectives continue their investigation into the three tragic deaths. She vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Image: Facebook

Caring

Update from survivor of deadly mushroom meal

The lone survivor of a group of four individuals who consumed a meal containing suspected poisonous mushrooms has received an update from the family. The Victorian community continues to extend their support during this time. Tragedy struck as Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, lost their lives after partaking in a lunch gathering at the residence of Erin Patterson, Don and Gail's former daughter-in-law. The incident occurred in Leongatha, located in the southeastern region of Victoria, on July 29. Erin Patterson had prepared a meal for the group, which also included Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, a pastor at a Baptist church. The attendees fell seriously ill after the meal, exhibiting symptoms that aligned with the ingestion of toxic death cap mushrooms, according to the police. On a recent Sunday evening, Ian Wilkinson's family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Austin Hospital for their consistent care and support. They also acknowledged the numerous cards and letters received from concerned individuals in the public. The family shared: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness, prayers, and support from friends, family, and the broader community.” “Your thoughts and well-wishes have been a source of strength and comfort to us all. “As we navigate this difficult journey, we kindly request that our privacy be respected. We need space to grieve, support one another, and care for Ian without public intrusion.” While Ian Wilkinson, aged 70, remains in critical but stable condition at a hospital in the northeastern part of Melbourne, reports indicate that members of the South Gippsland community are willing to step forward as organ donors. Local councillor Jenni Keerie stated that people have been reaching out to her to inquire about becoming donors. Nathan Hersey, the Mayor of South Gippsland Shire, noted that the community has been discussing the significance of organ donation. In the absence of a community donor, Wilkinson might face a wait of up to a year for a new liver. It is worth noting that the majority of organ recipients in Australia experience waiting periods of at least nine months while searching for a suitable match. Images: Facebook / A Current Affair EDITOR'S NOTE: We received a number of comments in response to this article concerning organ donation. This one from a Reader really deserved being appended to the article: "I am a forever grateful liver recipient whose life was miraculously saved when all had gone catastrophically wrong. <a href="https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/</a> The only way we can increase organ donation is to increase next of kin consent rates. In Australia every person who passes under the right circumstances is a potential donor. Whether they are registered or not their family will be asked to consider organ donation and must give their consent for donation to proceed. Sadly 46% of families say no. In Victoria it is closer to 50%. Families are critical for organ donation and for a deceased donor to be found to support the victim of the Victorian poisoning, another healthy Victorian will need to pass tragically and on life support. Waiting for a donor is not like waiting for a spare part for your car from the factory. It is more like finding the perfect part at a car wreckers after someone has written of their car but the part you need is still ok. You can help raise awareness by helping to get families having the conversation about organ donation before tragedy strikes. Not waiting until they learn their loved one is never coming home." – Robert Manning, Forever grateful recipient and passionate Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant Awareness Advocate. Founder and Senior Advocate <a href="https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.TransplantAdvocacy.com</a>

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“I really thought it was the end”: Death cap mushroom survivor breaks silence

The man who survived the poisoning effects of eating a death cap mushroom has spoken out, after consuming the deadly ingredients in a dish of spaghetti bolognese prepared by his wife. The same toxic mushroom is now linked to a suspected poisoning in Victoria that has claimed the lives of three people. The shocking incident occurred in 1998, when Simon Claringbold was a robust and athletic 39-year-old, who had an active lifestyle and regularly ran marathons. Mr Claringbold told ABC’s 7.30 program that he picked the mushrooms in his backyard in Canberra earlier in the day, thinking they were field mushrooms, before discovering they were actually death caps. His wife then cooked them into a spaghetti bolognese, and just 18 hours after eating the contaminated meal, his health took a turn for the worst. Mr Claringbold was rushed to hospital after he became violently ill and started rapidly deteriorating, triggering an arduous battle for his life. The toxic mushrooms Mr Claringbold ingested are understood to be the same variety in the recent poisoning, however, Mr Claringbold’s survival from the ordeal is believed to be sheer luck. Medical experts have explained that death cap mushrooms can vary significantly in their toxicity, making it a game of chance for those who inadvertently ingest them. “Their toxin levels aren’t going to be consistent; it’s not like taking a pill out of a bottle,” Mr Claringbold emphasised to 7.30, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the poison. After presenting to the hospital with intense vomiting and diarrhoea, Mr Claringbold gave the hospital a sample of the mushroom to healthcare professionals, who tested the toxin. His health continued to spiral as he encountered hallucinations, moments of blackout and major stress on his liver. “I was preparing for the end, I really thought it was the end. The lights were starting to go out,” he recounted. Remarkably, Mr Claringbold defied the odds, emerging from the ordeal after an 11-day hospitalisation. Mr Claringbold’s story has come in the wake of the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-details-emerge-in-fatal-mushroom-poisoning-incident">death of his parents</a>, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister-in-law Heather Wilkinson, who died after ingesting the same variety of mushroom. Erin Patterson, the 48-year-old ex-wife of Simon Claringbold, allegedly prepared the meal, and had reportedly invited the family over for lunch to negotiate a reconciliation. Image credits: ABC - 7.30

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"I stand here with you as a survivor": Delta Goodrem's emotional tribute

Delta Goodrem recently looked back on the 20th anniversary of the day she received a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma at the tender age of just 18. In a touching Instagram post, she revisited photographs and videos from that period, recalling the memories as vividly as if they had happened just yesterday. The songstress reminisced about the time when she was on the verge of making her international debut, only to be confronted with the life-altering news. At the time of her diagnosis, her debut album "Innocent Eyes" had reached the number one spot on the ARIA charts and was steadily climbing the charts in Europe. However, her dreams of global success were abruptly interrupted by the revelation that she had Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that affects the immune system. "July 8, 2003. I remember that day so clearly and all the mixed emotions that came with the news of being diagnosed with cancer while my album had been sitting at #1 for three months prior, and the third single hit #1 the same day," she wrote in her Instagram caption. "I was meant to be going over to Europe where my album had just debuted at #2 and #1 in all different countries that week to start international promo. One split second and all the plans had changed. That's life." Instead of embarking on her planned promotional tour in Europe, Goodrem swiftly underwent treatment for her cancer. However, she has no regrets about the turn of events, believing that everything happens for a reason. "There is meaning and beauty in facing these challenges from a different viewpoint. There must be a reason this is happening – How can I come out better? What is the lesson?" she expressed. Fortunately, in December 2003, Goodrem announced that her Hodgkin's lymphoma had gone into remission. Now, she views this as a "beautiful full circle moment" and the beginning of a "brand new chapter." "As I type this in London, I am working on the @deltagoodremfoundation's first-ever Gala event," she continued in her post. "I was working on new music and shows all day yesterday. Today, we're throwing a new music party. Being back here after 20 years, on the same date, has been one of the most incredible and meaningful experiences." While "honouring the journey" that led her to this point, Goodrem emphasises that it is the next steps that truly matter. "For those in the fight you are never alone and I stand here with you as a survivor xx.” <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/reel/CubqroeIv0w/?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/CubqroeIv0w/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Delta Goodrem AM (@deltagoodrem)</a> </div> </blockquote> Images: Instagram

Caring

“That’s why we call him Superman”: Sea World crash survivor speaks

<div> <div> <div> <div> <div> The little boy who nearly lost his life in the tragic Sea World helicopter crash has revealed an update on his journey to recovery two months after the incident occurred. Nicky Tadros shared the news after months in hospital, with doctors initially unsure if the 10-year-old would make it out alive. “My kidneys have woken up and I’m no more on a fluid restriction,” he said on Nine’s A Current Affair. “And my liver levels have gotten better and all my blood test results have come back really good.” Nicky was on one of the helicopters that collided mid-air at Sea World on the Gold Coast. His mother, Vanessa Tadros, was killed alongside British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes and Sea World Helicopters chief pilot Ash Jenkinson. The other helicopter managed to land on a sandbank. Nicky’s father, Simon Tadros, said he was incredibly proud of his “strong willed” son’s recovery effort. “The bravery he’s showing and he’s just pushing through every kind of hardship,” Mr Tadros said. “That’s why we call him Superman, because everything you put in front of him, he just pushes it out on the way.” Despite the effort to save Nicky’s life, doctors were unable to save his right leg, with the 10-year-old having to undergo a five-and-a-half-hour operation to amputate. “I was nervous at the beginning because I thought they get a chainsaw and chop it off from Bunnings Warehouse,” he said. Although the boy had endured countless surgeries with a long road to recovery ahead, he was grateful for the support he received. “I thank [Australia] for everything because I know that they’re always praying for me and caring for me and that’s the same with dad,” he said. “[Dad]’s always caring for me, since day one he’s never left my side no matter what. “When I’m sad when I’m happy when I’m angry, he’s there for me.” Mr Tadros has celebrated each milestone as his son works toward leaving hospital and returning to his normal life. Nicky also shared what he was most looking forward to once he leaves hospital. Image credit: A Current Affair </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

"Where's mum?" Sea World helicopter crash survivor's heart-breaking question

The husband of a mother who tragically died in the Sea World helicopter crash has shared the heart-breaking question his son Nicholas asked him when he awoke from his coma. Vanessa Tadros and her 10-year-old son were on the aircraft when it collided with another on January 2nd, as the crash claimed the life of Vanessa and three others. Nicholas miraculously survived the accident, and has spent the last seven weeks in intensive care recovering from life-altering injuries. After being in an induced coma, Nicholas awoke and asked his father Simon a question he had been dreading. “He said, ‘Where’s mum?’” Simon told Ally Langdon during an emotional interview on <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/ally-langdon-speaks-about-her-emotional-interview-with-father-simon-tadros-about-sea-world-chopper-crash/af847866-bb2f-42be-8a15-d20d06a0c685">A Current Affair</a>. “I said she was in the crash with you.” “He said, ‘Yeah, I know, but where’s mum?’ I said, ‘Baby boy, mum had to go to Jesus.’” “And he just turned his head and closed his eyes,” bringing Ally Langdon to tears. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HelpingNicky?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HelpingNicky</a>: A heartbroken father recalls the final moments before his wife was killed and son was critically injured in the Gold Coast helicopter crash. See the full story, TONIGHT on A Current Affair.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9ACA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9ACA</a> | Watch LIVE 7pm <a href="https://t.co/cH1TElSUnM">pic.twitter.com/cH1TElSUnM</a> — A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9/status/1627570052957605889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote> Nicholas suffered extensive injuries in the crash breaking multiple bones, his kidneys are still not functioning unaided and his lungs collapsed from inhaling jet fuel. Doctors expect he will need to remain in hospital for at least another five months after deciding he will need to have his right foot amputated. “He said I’m not going to give up, Dad. I’m not going to leave you alone,” Simon recalled. “He’s a strong-willed boy. He’s a good kid.” Simon also recalled the final conversation he had with his wife before she boarded the helicopter with Nicholas. “I remember saying to my wife, I was thinking it’s amazing how quick they turn over these helicopters,” he said. “My wife just turned around to me and said, “Babe, I’m sure they know what they’re doing””. Simon shared that he hasn’t been able to properly grieve the loss of his wife as he spends every minute at Nicholas’ bedside. “It’s been hard, it’s a daily struggle … I don’t leave his bedside until 12, 1 in the morning,” he said. “Even leaving to go lay my wife to rest … it was just hard to keep my mind focused on the one thing, I didn’t want to leave him… but we gotta do what we gotta do.” Image credits: Nine News / Instagram

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Thai cave rescue survivor dies aged just 17

Duangphet Promthep, one of 12 boys who was rescued along with their soccer coach from the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system in northern Thailand, has died. Duangphet was found unconscious in his dormitory on Sunday, and sadly passed away two days later. While the exact cause of death is unknown at this time, reports from the United Kingdom suggest he had suffered a head injury. Duangphet had only been enrolled in Leicester’s Brooke House College Football Academy since late 2022. Thai non-profit organisation Zico Foundation, which had assisted him in getting a scholarship to study in England, shared its condolences on Facebook. “Zico Foundation would like to express its condolences and condolence for the passing away of Little Dom Duangphet Phromthep,” they wrote of Duangphet, who also went by the name ‘Dom’, “a student of Zico Foundation.” When Duangphet was only 13 years old, he was trapped with his soccer team - the Wild Boars soccer team of which he was captain - and their squad’s assistant coach for over two weeks in a cave system known as the ‘Great Cave of the Sleeping Lady'. The twelve boys were between the ages 11 and 16, and 4 kilometres into their fateful adventure, when rising floodwaters prevented their escape from Thailand’s fourth-largest cave system. It was an international effort to save the boys and their coach, with a search and rescue mission that spanned over two weeks, with divers from Thailand and from overseas stepping in to help. Some of the boys who were with him in those terrifying times shared their condolences on social media as news of his passing broke around the world. “Brother, you told me that we would be achieving our football dream,” wrote Titan Chanin Viboonrungruan. “If the next world is real, I want us to play football together again, my brother Dom.” “You told me to wait and see you play for the national team, I always believed that you would do it," Prachak Sutham said. "When we met the last time before you left for England, I even jokingly told you that when you come back, I would have to ask for your autograph. "Sleep well, my dear friend. We will always have 13 of us together." In a statement, Duangphet’s school principal Ian Smith said, “this event has left our college community deeply saddened and shaken. “We unite in grief with all of Dom's family, friends, former teammates and those involved in all parts of his life, as well as everyone affected in any way by this loss in Thailand and throughout the college's global family." Dom’s mother joined an online news conference and shared her hope that a Buddhist monk in England would be able to conduct rites for Duangphet. In that same conference, former Thai national soccer team coach and the Zico Foundation’s chairman Kiatisuk Senamuang, described his shock at the news of Duangphet’s passing. “My thoughts are with his family and friends,' he said, fighting tears. 'I think back to his dream of becoming a professional footballer, representing his country and his voice keeps speaking in my head.” He went on to explain that as far as he knew, Duangphet had been healthy, as a full health check had been performed in order for Duangphet to obtain his student visa. While his cause of death is currently unknown, an investigation into the cause will likely take place, and hopefully provide his loved ones with closure in this tragic time. Image: Facebook

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“A miracle that I’m here”: Sea World helicopter crash survivor speaks out

Disaster survivor Winnie De Silva has spoken to Sunrise’s Monique Wright about the devastating Sea World helicopter ride that she and her son, Leon, were passengers of. Winnie met Monique with a smile from her wheelchair, a necessity in the wake of her injuries - two broken legs, a crushed collarbone, blood clots, a severely wounded liver, and burns. Winnie and Leon were two of three survivors from their helicopter, with the other four people onboard losing their lives <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/investigation-launched-after-helicopter-crash-sees-four-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in the accident</a>. “It was just a miracle that I’m here,” Winnie told Monique. The trip was a holiday for the mother and her nine-year-old son, and the flight a special treat for them both. “Up in the air I took two selfie photos for me and Leon,” Winnie said of the minutes before tragedy struck, “the water scenery was very beautiful, and Leon said to me ‘Mum, take photos’.” “We heard a bang,” she continued, going on to share her experience of the fatal crash, detailing the moment of collision. “When I saw the pilot’s side of the window, it’s broken. I could only see outside. “I would see clouds. I would see water underneath … and then I thought, ‘this is not going to be a helicopter ride anymore’. “The shaking was horrible. It was shaking both sides, and shaking continuously. It was just the end of life. And I had hope in the pilot, to me he’s my hero. I salute Ash, may he rest in peace.” Ash, the helicopter’s pilot, managed to get the aircraft above a sandbar, a move Winnie credits with saving herself and her son, Leon. Ash, unfortunately, lost his life that day. “I saw him struggle with trying to stabilise that helicopter,” Winnie recalled, “I didn’t see anyone else. I was looking at him.” “I held Leon’s hand, and I asked him to close his eyes,” she added, “and I closed my eyes as well, and I said to God ‘let your will be done’. When I closed my eyes, it was peace that came to myself. I can’t remember anything else.” Leon remains in hospital, where he is slowly improving. However, having been left with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/young-helicopter-crash-survivor-wakes-from-coma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">damage to his brain</a> from the crash, he requires 24 hour care. Leon has been receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital, while Winnie has been at The Gold Coast University Hospital, and the two have only been able to see each other once in six weeks. Despite the tragedy, and the long and difficult road to recovery ahead of them, Winnie was open about her hope for the future, and expressed her gratitude for the miracle of their survival, telling Monique, “I am here, alive, and happy. “I am so thankful. I am doing okay right now, despite walking. But psychologically, mentally, I feel like there’s hope.” Images: Seven

Caring

Sea World helicopter crash survivors speak out

Survivors of the deadly Sea World helicopter crash that killed four people have spoken out about the tragedy. Elmarie and Riaan Steenberg and Marle and Edward Swart, two couples from New Zealand, were holidaying in Queensland when the helicopter they were travelling in collided with another on January 2nd. Now, weeks after the incident occurred, the couples spoke with 60 Minutes and revealed they are still picking glass out of their bodies. “I just want it out of my body because it reminds (me) of the day,” Ms Steenberg said. Ms Steenberg also shared how she knew they were in “serious trouble” when she saw the other helicopter underneath her. “We thought it’s just a five-minute flight, that’ll be fun,” Mrs Swart said. Her husband added, “What can go wrong?” “I saw the helicopter underneath me, and I knew we were in serious trouble and I actually said, ‘Please, God, help us’,” “And then I heard the explosion,” Ms Steenberg said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> When two helicopters collided mid-air at Sea World on the Gold Coast, four friends from NZ never expected their new year's holiday to turn into a disastrous crash. They reflect on the joy of surviving, as well as the guilt and sorrow they have for the lives lost on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Mins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#60Mins</a>. <a href="https://t.co/MkKFfV6mTW">pic.twitter.com/MkKFfV6mTW</a> — 60 Minutes Australia (@60Mins) <a href="https://twitter.com/60Mins/status/1622172822960226307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote> The couples’ pilot Michael James was at the controls of the other vehicle and managed to land it safely on the sandbank. They were taken to hospital and treated for their injuries and have since returned home to Auckland. Since returning to normal life, Ms Swart said the hardest part of the ordeal is knowing others died and being weighed down by the guilt of survival. "It's the hardest part and it's very real. The question everyday is: why?" “Why did we survive? We’re just ordinary, boring people. Why us, you know? We’re nothing special.” "So yeah, you think about that every day." The pilot of the other helicopter Ash Jenkinson, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes and Sydney woman Vanessa Tadros were killed in the tragedy. Mrs Tadros’s son Nicholas, 10, was critically injured while Geelong woman Winnie de Silva and her son Leon, nine, suffered serious injuries. Image credits: 60 Minutes

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"A living miracle": Deadly helicopter crash survivor speaks after waking from coma

The young survivor of the deadly helicopter crash in Queensland has woken from his coma and spoken to his father for the first time since the tragedy. Nicholas Tadros was one of seven people on-board a joy ride helicopter that crashed near SeaWorld theme park on the Gold Coast. Four people died in the incident, including his mother Vanessa. The family's parish priest Suresh Kumar described the boy as a "living miracle" after he woke up from an induced coma almost one month after the horrific crash. “This little boy is a living miracle friends,” Father Kumar said in a post to Facebook on Saturday. The priest was overjoyed to reveal that Nicholas did not have any lasting brain injuries and was able to speak to his father Simon for the first time over the weekend. “A billion thanks to God. He doesn’t have brain injury,” Father Kumar said. “Simon is able to talk to him and Nicholas responds very clearly with names, dates etc though his voice is bit slur.” The priest went on to suggest that Nicholas’s miraculous survival could have been a result of the heroic acts of his late mother. “His mum Vanessa might have grabbed his head and protected him at the impact. She is a hero,” Father Kumar said. “Nicholas will be able to tell us when he is able to recollect. May Vanessa’s soul rest in peace.” Nicholas still has a long road to recovery ahead of him, as the medical team in charge of his care are working to save his leg form amputation after it was "shattered very badly" during the crash. “We have got to keep praying that his leg is not amputated as the danger of losing his leg is still looming,” Father Kumar said. “Overall, our little champ is fighting the good fight and keeps improving.” Image credits: Nine News

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New photos capture devastating reality of helicopter collision

Warning: This article contains images that some readers may find disturbing. Four of the survivors of the deadly Gold Coast helicopter collision have released a series of photos that document the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. New Zealand couples Marle and Edward Swart, and Elmarie and Riaan Steenberg, were on board the descending helicopter that was struck by one just taking off. The ascending helicopter crashed to the ground, killing <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/helicopter-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four people</a> on board and wounding three other passengers. On Sunday, the four New Zealand survivors issued a collective statement, sharing how they are still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. "We want to express our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the injured, deceased, and their families," they said. "Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss. This has been traumatic for us as survivors, and we cannot imagine the terrible sadness their families and loved ones must be feeling." The couples also offered their gratitude to those who helped them, including their "hero" pilot Michael James, bystanders who rushed to their aid and emergency and medical personnel who helped them. "Their care and heroism changed our lives," the statement said. "Our pilot, Michael James. You are our hero. You landed the helicopter safely and kept the bystanders and us safe. We are eternally grateful to you." <div>"Unidentified bystanders who ran to our assistance. The person on the jet ski who was first on the scene and helped us out of the helicopter, the off-duty paramedic who ran to our assistance, the holidaymakers who brought us hats, towels and water, and chairs." "Every police officer and emergency services personnel both on the scene of the crash and later in the hospital. The staff of Villas de la Mer who helped our children to visit us and kept them safe. There are no words to describe our gratitude." "Every staff member involved in our care at Robina Public Hospital. Your discretion and compassionate care during our stay brought us much comfort. We will always remember your kindness." "Our community in New Zealand for all their well wishes and messages of comfort. "Our dear family and friends in Australia who have supported us over this period. We appreciate you so very much." "Craig and the staff of Sea World Helicopters for their support. We also want to express our deep condolences for the loss of pilot Ashley Jenkinson." "The reality of the last five days' events is sinking in and is a heavy weight to carry," they said. The four survivors also shared a series of images of their recovery in the hospital, as well as a photo snapped from inside the wreckage of the helicopter. The four said they would continue to help the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Queensland Police with their investigation into the incident as needed. They are headed home to New Zealand, where Elmarie and Marle will continue their lengthy recovery. Image credits: The Swart and Steenberg families </div>

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Young helicopter crash survivor wakes from coma

There has been a glimmer of hope in the aftermath of the devastating Gold Coast helicopter tragedy. Nine-year-old Leon de Silva, who boarded the joyride with his mother Winnie, has woken up from a medically induced coma. He woke up on Thursday evening, moving from a critical condition to stable condition at Queensland Children's Hospital. Leon's stepfather Neil confirmed he is now in a stable condition, and remaining under observation. “We’re just focusing on their recovery now,” he told The Herald Sun. Leon was placed into an induced coma about 70 kilometres north at Brisbane Children's Hospital after suffering a cracked skull and severe trauma to the brain. His mother Winnie remains at the Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition after breaking both her legs, damaging her left knee, breaking her right shoulder and collarbone. Earlier on Thursday, Leon's stepfather Neil told Sunrise his wife is still "fighting" but her main priority was her son. "The main issue is the extensive injuries that he has. He’s lying in bed at the moment. He is still laying with his eyes closed and not able to talk or communicate at this stage," Mr de Silva said. He revealed his sister Julie has been by his stepson's bedside since the accident, and connected Ms de Silva with her son through FaceTime on Wednesday. "As she was saying, ‘mum’s here and mum’s going to look after you and everything’s going to be alright’, he actually managed to give her a thumbs up," Mr de Silva added. "It wasn’t a full thumbs up, he could only lift it halfway but that was fantastic news." Image credits: GoFundMe

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