Latest news with #BigFiveMarathon
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tommy Little moved to tears as he reads a heartbreaking letter of support from family who lost 21-month-old son to brain cancer
Tommy Little broke down in tears this week as he read a letter from a family who lost their son to brain cancer. The comedian, 40, is gearing up for the Big Five Marathon in South Africa, later this month, to raise money for Hit Network co-host Carrie Bickmore 's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer charity. Tommy took to his Instagram reel on Friday to share an emotional clip in which he read a letter from parents Ollie and Brooke, who lost their son, Hugo, to brain cancer at just 21 months. 'We'll see how we go,' Tommy began, already with tears in his eyes. 'Dear Tommy,' he read. 'A letter to you for your upcoming marathon. To step willingly into something hard for the sake of others, many of whom you'll never meet, that's a rare kind of courage and a quiet power that we feel so deeply.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The letter continued: 'There will be people with you on that course - some visible others unseen - like families like ours, and children like our Hugo.' Tommy then held up a photo of little Hugo, adding: 'This is why I'm already crying.' Ollie and Brooke then explained that their world was shattered when Hugo was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 10 months old. 'Hugo spent his first half of his life in hospital, crippled with a treatment that only ever gave him a 10 per cent change to see his fifth birthday,' Tommy continued reading, tears welling in his eyes. 'He passed away at 21 months old, but earnt each day showing us that with a breathing heart, a working body, and legs that can move forward is a gift.' Ollie and Brooke then wrote that they hoped Hugo could provide some Tommy with some inspiration on his upcoming challenge. 'When it gets hard out there, when your legs burn, when doubt creeps in, we hope Hugo can be the wind on your back.' they wrote. 'Hugo is so close to the earth and, when you're running in South Africa, we hope you feel that connection, too.' 'When it gets hard out there, when your legs burn, when doubt creeps in, we hope Hugo can be the wind on your back,' Tommy continued reading. Clearly moved by the deeply personal and emotional letter, Tommy said Hugo would definitely be with him in South Africa. 'I'll carry Hugo with me on the run,' he said. 'And, if it gets to the point where I feel like every muscle is going to rip off my legs, I'll keep running so hopefully, we won't have more letters like this in the future.' Tommy then addressed Ollie and Brooke directly, offering his heartfelt condolences before appealing to his 315,000 followers to donate to such a good cause. 'I know things are expensive at the moment and I know life is tough, but this is f***ing heartbreak,' he said. The emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from Tommy's friends, fans and followers. Singer Guy Sebastian jumped in, praising the effort with: 'Such an amazing thing you guys are doing and impacting so many good on ya Tommy and crew.' Olympic swimmer Alicia Coutts also offered: 'Wishing you the best Tommy for your marathon. Donated in memory of beautiful little Hugo.' Another follower summed up the sentiment of many, admitting that Hugo's story had moved them to tears. 'Oh my I lost it when Hugo's mum and dad express that Hugo can be the wind on your back Tommy,' they wrote. Tommy will be joined by co-host Carrie Bickmore on the arduous half marathon through the the Entabeni private game reserve in South Africa. The duo, competing as the Carrie and Tommy Show team will run alongside the likes of Ellidy Pullin, Olivia Molly Rogers, Sam Wood, Laura Enever, Trent Cotchin, and Merrick Watts. Tommy recently revealed that he had given up vaping and set himself a 10 kilogram weigh loss goal to prepare for the big run. Sharing a video of himself taking a jog to Instagram, Tommy said he has seven weeks to get into running shape for the cause after he became a 'doughy boy' since his last marathon. 'We are seven weeks out from The Big Five Marathon in South Africa. I just ran 13.3 kms. Not quick because I am a doughy boy,' the radio star said. 'I weighed myself this week. I weigh 86kg, which might not sound like that much, but the only time I ran a marathon I weighed 70kg. So I am 16kg over my previous running weight.' Tommy went on to write in the caption of his video: 'I plan to lose at least 10kgs and work my a*** off for the next seven weeks. Anyone who wants to get involved is more than welcome'.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Carrie Bickmore reveals she's heading into the South African jungle after persistent rumours she will appear on I'm A Celebrity
Carrie Bickmore has long been rumoured to be joining popular Channel 10 show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia. And now, the radio and television presenter, 44, has confirmed she will be heading to the South African jungle - but not for the reality program. The Carrie & Tommy radio star has signed up for a half marathon at this year's The Big Five Marathon through the Entabeni private game reserve. She told Confidential on Thursday, the big five African animals 'will make me run fast, that is for sure'. 'Last year they had to delay the start of the race because there was a lion roaming around. I've decided not to read up too much about it because I've decided if I read about it, I won't go,' she said. 'I'm just going to go there with my eyes closed and open them at the startline and see what happens.' The former Project star will be completing her half-marathon alongside Ellidy Pullin, Olivia Molly Rogers, Sam Wood, Laura Enever, Trent Cotchin, and Merrick Watts. Carrie and her crew of famous friends will attempt to raise money for the Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, which she set up after her late husband, Greg Lange, lost his battle with brain cancer. Carrie announced she would continue Greg's legacy with the charity during her Gold Logie acceptance speech in 2015. Despite his terminal condition, Carrie and Greg married in 2005 when she was just 25 and had a son, Oliver. All runners will be monitored by helicopters and armed rangers to ensure their safety in the game park. Last month, Carrie gave her social media followers a sneak peak into her training regime for the half-marathon. The Adelaide-born star lifted weights in each hand as she showed her commitment to building strength. She also took fans through a series of squat positions in the social media footage. The Carrie & Tommy radio star has signed up for a half marathon at this year's The Big Five Marathon through the Entabeni private game reserve Carrie cryptically hinted at something 'big' in the pipeline in her caption. 'Time to get strong for this next big adventure,' she wrote. 'Don't laugh at how small my weights are. I have no upper body strength.' Last year, Carrie completed a half marathon at the Great Wall of China which involved climbing 5164 stairs and competing alongside 2500 runners from over 60 nations.
