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Two young fundraising heroes treated to private party at Buckingham Palace

<p>Two fundraising heroes have been treated to a private tea party, hosted by Queen Camilla herself, after being forced to miss previous royal events.</p> <p>Tony Hudgell, nine, and Lyla O’Donovan, 11, were due to attend a garden party in May, but Hudgell got stuck in a major traffic jam, while Lyla was undergoing treatment for cancer. </p> <p>Tony — whose legs were amputated after horrific child abuse - was devastated to miss the royal event, as his adoptive mother Paula shared on X (formerly Twitter) how they spent two hours stuck behind a fire truck on a major highway. </p> <p>However, a response on the Royal Family indicated all was not lost, as they replied, “Sorry to hear this, Tony! We were looking forward to seeing you too. Fancy trying again another day? Leave it with us.”</p> <p>Two months on, the two youngsters arrived at Buckingham Palace for the rescheduled treat last week and were given a front-row spot to watch the Changing of the Guard.</p> <p>The two children and their families then enjoyed a private tea party with Queen Camilla, 76, in the palace garden’s Summer House.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🫖 🍰 When Tony and Lyla came to tea … <a href="https://t.co/LTfLrPDjT7">pic.twitter.com/LTfLrPDjT7</a></p> <p>— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1807667556120969625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>The Queen then presented Tony with his British Empire Medal after his nomination in the 2024 New Year’s Honours.</p> <p>Tony, who lost his legs as a baby due to his parents’ cruelty, inspired the nation after doing a 10km walk, raising $2.4 million at age five.</p> <p>Paula said, “We were all extremely honoured and grateful to be invited for afternoon tea with the Queen. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful and made us feel comfortable and relaxed."</p> <p>“Tony chatted to the Queen as if they were old friends. She was lovely with him.</p> <p>“An exceptionally proud moment was when the Queen gave Tony his BEM. It was one of the most memorable days we’ll ever have.”</p> <p>Lyla has raised funds to grant wishes to children affected by cancer or lifelong illness. She said of the event, “Everyone made us feel so comfortable and made me feel super-special. We’re so grateful.”</p> <p>Dad Paul said, “It was an amazing moment for us. Lyla was gutted about missing the original Garden Party but she said she’s glad she missed it now as she’s got to meet the Queen."</p> <p>“There’s no one more important than her, apart from the King, of course.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Buckingham Palace/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

International 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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Positive news for injured WA police officer in Croatia

<p>A fundraiser set up for a WA police officer who was injured in an<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/police-officer-in-critical-condition-after-terrifying-cliff-fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> unfortunate cliff fall </a>reached its $500,000 target. </p> <p>Ella Cutler was left fighting for her life after falling off a cliff top while on vacation in Croatia, and her loved ones set up a GoFundMe to help pay for her medical bills and bring her home via air ambulance. </p> <p>Now, Ella is out of the ICU with horrific injuries to her body, including her head and spine.</p> <p>Her friends and family members have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from strangers who donated, and said that Ella still has a "long road" to recovery, with many surgeries to go. </p> <p>"There's been people that have donated, which is just so heartwarming to see Ella's story has really touched them," friend and fellow police officer Constable Dani Morrison said. </p> <p>"They've never met her and they still donated."</p> <p>Ella will undergo another surgery next week before she can fly home to Perth. </p> <p>Ella, and a 34-year-old Australian man were both injured after they fell 10 metres from a cliff near Fort Lovrijenac, in the Dubrovnik suburb of Piles on August 26.</p> <p>Her family have asked for donations after revealing that Ella's travel insurance denied her claim. </p> <p>As of today, the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-us-bring-ella-home#xd_co_f=NDIzY2U3YjUtNTQ2Yi00MjhjLWEwNTMtNGNhZTMyZmNiMzc0~" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> has raised $517,125. </p> <p><em>Image: WA Police</em></p>

Caring

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Elderly pizza lady receives $390k tip after falling during delivery

<p>Barbara Gillespie was completing a typical Friday night pizza delivery when things took an unexpected turn. </p> <p>The 72 year old had just made her way up a home’s front veranda stairs, arms laden with her pizza boxes, when she stumbled and fell on to a small white chair.</p> <p>The family, whose <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@momofthe5ks/video/7195696356508372266" target="_blank" rel="noopener">security camera captured the entire tumble</a>, came outside to see what had happened as the elderly driver was picking herself up from the ground.</p> <p>On shaky legs, Barbara apologised again and again for what had become of the family’s food, telling them that she’d “ruined” it. But the family - otherwise known as the Keighrons - were only concerned about her.</p> <p>“I opened the door and there she is, just laying on the ground trying to get up,” Kevin Keighron said on <em>Good Morning America</em>. “She was more worried about the food than anything else. And I was like, ‘I don't care about the food. I care about you’.”</p> <p>Kevin and his wife, Lacey, described Barbara as being “the sweetest”, and after the incident - which occurred in early February - the pair decided to set up a GoFundMe to give Barbara a “tip” for her hard work. </p> <p>“We would like to bless her by bringing by a ‘tip’ to help her with anything she may need,” Kevin said. “She is an older woman who fell and only cared about the food she dropped. </p> <p>“Let’s show her some kindness and take off some of this burden that our economy is causing the older generations especially!”</p> <p>More than 14,000 people donated, and the fundraiser achieved a whopping $390,000. </p> <p>“We thought we would get her a bigger tip and bring it to her. We never expected to get as much as we did,” Kevin said of their successful campaign. “We were just so excited and thrilled to be able to tell her the next day.”</p> <p>And when taking the surprise to Barbara, Kevin - Lacey, and two of their children - decided to make the grand reveal at her work. They later shared footage of the reunion to their TikTok account. </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620.262px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7195971641262755114&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40momofthe5ks%2Fvideo%2F7195971641262755114&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F763d48ec7b5b4f728dcbe02bb60cc22f%3Fx-expires%3D1677142800%26x-signature%3DPCfbQDrxw5It6Ey%252FV9NWSJXsZ6A%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p>They have since shared that with the extra funds, Barbara was able to put in her two-week notice and finally enjoy her well-deserved retirement. </p> <p>Barbara said that the generosity of everyone involved was overwhelming, and admitted she was close to giving up on people because some of them can be “so mean.” </p> <p>“And here we got loving, caring people. They care about someone else” she declared, seemingly delighted to have had her mind so thoroughly changed, “about an elderly woman.”</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok </em></p>

Money & Banking

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The Klim Swim: Michael's next big challenge after devastating diagnosis

<p>Australian swimming icon Michael Klim has refused to let his autoimmune disorder hold him back from the things he loves, returning to the gym to rebuild his body after his 2019 diagnosis. </p> <p>The 45-year-old world record holder has chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) – a rare auto-immune disorder that targets the arms and legs, and the body’s nerves. And while things haven’t necessarily been easy for the swimmer, Michael’s positive attitude has assured supporters that big things are still to come for him. </p> <p>“It has obviously been a challenging three or four years since the diagnosis,” he told the <em>Sunrise </em>team, “but I think I have accepted what I’ve got and I’m trying to make the most of it.</p> <p>“I have a great support crew, obviously my family, my partner Michelle, and it does take more than one person to get through this, and it has been pretty challenging but I am upbeat and pretty positive.</p> <p>A lot of people have come up to me and said ‘oh, you’re an Olympian, you’re mentally super tough’ but for me, the physical change has been so huge, it is hard to fathom,” Klim said.</p> <p>“I can’t even stand on one leg at the moment, so it’s really basic ... understanding that, that is my norm, and I have to slowly build up from that.</p> <p>“I am focusing on the things I can do rather than the things I can’t.”</p> <p>And the item at the top of his ‘can do, will do’ list? Encouraging Australians to dive into their local pools (or favourite swimming spot) to take on the <a href="https://www.klimswimchallenge.com.au/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brainwave Klim Swimming Challenge</a> with him. </p> <p>Michael has been hard at work training in preparation for the event that asks Australians to swim as much as they can during the month of March to raise funds for children with neurological conditions - like his own - and their families. Michael himself hopes to raise $300,000 for the foundation through his swim school franchise Klim Swim. </p> <p>“No matter how far you choose to swim,” he wrote on Instagram about the challenge, “every stroke counts!” </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/reel/Cobnb5-jo4k/?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/reel/Cobnb5-jo4k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brainwave Australia (@brainwaveaus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“For the month of March, we are encouraging everyone to have a swim. It can be one lap, it can be 20km, 40km,” he added during his appearance on <em>Sunrise</em>. “It can be as a family or a team, but just to get out there and get active - and obviously register - and most importantly donate.</p> <p>“Swimming has given me my purpose, motivation, challenges, and rewards in life. With my diagnosis of the neurological condition CIDP, it’s time to harness swimming to raise awareness of the neurological conditions that affect me and thousands of Australian children, and to raise funds to support them through their life changing journey.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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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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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>

Caring

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Ukraine launches online “museum” to preserve the nation’s art

<p dir="ltr">Ukraine has launched a unique NFT museum to preserve the “statehood and history of Ukraine” while supporting artists struggling from the Russian invasion. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Alex Bornyakov announced plans for the website, titled “<a href="https://metahistory.gallery/">Meta History: Museum of War</a>,” on <a href="https://twitter.com/abornyakov/status/1507341599394746410?s=20&amp;t=935nfhKtmG8B1WABTQJA5w">Twitter</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The site also includes a “<a href="https://metahistory.gallery/warline">warline</a>,” a timeline of events, each of them accompanied by a corresponding NFT.</p> <p dir="ltr">Each NFT features a tweet from a significant moment in the war, with a corresponding illustration by various Ukrainian artists. </p> <p dir="ltr">For example, one NFT features a tweet from NATO calling on Russia to halt the invasion on Day 3 of the war at 4:40pm Ukrainian time. The accompanying graphic depicts a compass with a bullhorn attached illustrated by artist Alina Kropachova.</p> <p dir="ltr">The NFTs are now on sale, with all proceeds going directly to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Meta History twitter describes the project as one that fights against Russian dissemination of fake news and propaganda using the permanent ledger that is the blockchain.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Disinformation is used by Russia on a par with deadly military weapons in Ukraine. The NFT-museum is based on a deep intention to keep the memory of real wartime events via blockchain and raise charitable donations to support Ukraine,” reads one <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta_History_UA/status/1508150728572952586?s=20&amp;t=ICoQhq8aZtNSu_VUtAHStQ">tweet</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The unique project follows a number of successful fundraising campaigns in the war-torn country through the use of NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. </p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.ukrainedao.love/">UkraineDAO</a> NFT project has raised over $5 million, which is just one of the many ways people are raising money for the people of Ukraine. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Art

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Children killed in Hillcrest tragedy identified amid overwhelming support

<p><em>Image: GoFundMe</em></p> <p>Tributes from all over the world are pouring in as people have dug deep to support the victims and their families following the horrific jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania that has killed five children and critically injured several more.</p> <p>Zoe Smith, who describes herself as “a local girl who grew up in Devonport”, said she started a GoFundMe fundraising page despite not knowing any of the children killed or injured.</p> <p>An overwhelming number of donations have been lodged so far, with more than $250,000 raised in less than 24 hours – and the total is continuing to rise quickly in the wake of such a tragic incident.</p> <p>Police say a “significant local wind event” contributed to the jumping castle flying more than 10 metres into the air as students from Hillcrest Primary School gathered to celebrate the end of the school year.</p> <p>It’s unknown at this stage how many children were on the jumping castle at the time, or how it was anchored down.</p> <p>Messages of condolence are flowing in for two of the students who have been identified among the dead, with separate GoFundMe pages set up for them.</p> <p>They were named as Grade Six students Zane and Addison.</p> <p>Addison’s aunt wrote that she “was always such a sweet kind, old soul.”</p> <p>“My niece was tragically taken in the accident at Hillcrest Primary. I’m hoping to raise some money for my brother and sister in-law to help pay for funeral costs and to pay off some bills for them while they try and navigate life without their precious daughter,” she wrote. “They have another daughter and son to take care of and I’m hoping to alleviate some of the stress of bills.”</p> <p>Ms Smith said set up her fundraiser because she was “moved by the tragedy” like many other Australians and wanted to do something “to support the families throughout Christmas”.</p> <p>“All funds will go to the families of the children who were tragically killed and injured to not only support them but provide them with much needed gifts in this time of such sadness,” she said. “All the funds will be donated to the school and the Parents and Friends committee to be distributed to the families affected!”</p> <p>“Any donation is much appreciated and hopefully we as the incredible community of Devonport can rally to support such deserving and hurting people,” Ms Smith said.</p> <p>Support has been put in place for the school community, including school counsellors and chaplains for use over the holiday period.</p> <p>In an interview on The Project, Mayor Annette Rockcliff said she had met the students only last week after visiting the primary school.</p> <p>“I did meet all of those children last week, I was in their classroom for an hour or so, so it’s tough to think about that”, she said, looking visibly upset.</p> <p>Police officers who responded to the scene were visible distressed by what they saw.</p> <p>“These children were meant to be celebrating their last day of primary school, instead we’re all mourning their loss,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said. “Emergency services were called to the scene around 10 am this morning after a wind gust had reportedly caused the jumping castle and inflatable zorb balls to lift into the air.”</p> <p>“Our thoughts are also with those emergency services personnel who attended to try and save these people’s lives,” he said.</p> <p>Investigations are underway into the incident, with involvement from WorkSafe Tasmania.</p> <p>Mr Hine said that investigation could take “quite some time”.</p> <p>You can donate to the GoFundMe <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/hillcrestprimary?utm_source=widget&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet">here</a>. </p>

News

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Father’s final heroic act saves his daughter

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A US man has been remembered as a hero after he died saving his daughter’s life in a plane crash.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mike Perdue was one of four people who perished after a light plane crashed near Michigan’s Beaver Island over the weekend.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His daughter, 11-year-old Laney, was the sole survivor of the crash.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He cradled her in his arms,” family friend Ryan Wojan </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/world/us-dads-final-act-to-save-daughter-before-tragic-plane-crash-in-michigan-c-4579789" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She doesn’t remember anything, except for her daddy squeezing her so hard.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He saved her life… he died a hero.”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 270px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845703/e8911d523598f44beaaec6e097ca5f0844fb8dec.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9dbe2ff61c414b6095ac9181c66c9fba" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: NBC / UpNorthLive</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Laney has undergone two surgeries so far and is expected to recover after suffering multiple fractures during the crash.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Wojan added that all of her injuries occurred on the opposite side of where her dad had been sitting in the plane.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He and Mr Perdue were meeting on the island for opening day of firearm deer season, with the Perdue’s flying on the same plane he had three hours earlier.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Laney had joined her dad on the way to meet a family friend for the weekend.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Wojan said his friend’s two passions were his family - including his wife and four kids - and his faith.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845702/61232801_1636911094768244_r.jpeg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7567644df43747dea1d81cb5863661e6" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: GoFundMe</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’s taken his girls out hunting and fishing but there’s a special bond between a dad and his sons,” Mr Wojan said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And he was very much looking forward to getting his kids involved with hunting and fishing and I feel a great weight to be a part of that for them going forward.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-for-perdues?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">fundraiser</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> started for the Perdue family to help them pay for funeral costs has received over $USD 109,000 ($AUD 149,000 or $NZD 156,000) in donations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The other victims of the crash included Kate Leese and Adam Kendall, who were travelling in the plane to take their dogs to the vet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The dogs also died in the crash.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Kate and Adam were meant for each other. They lived 20 lives in the time they knew each other. Kate was larger than life,” Kate’s sister, Amanda Leese, said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She wanted to experience the world. She wanted to taste it. She wanted to explore it and Adam was right there with her.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pilot was the fourth victim of the crash and remains unidentified.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Investigations are being conducted to determine the cause of the crash.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: NBC / UpNorthLive</span></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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EXCLUSIVE: Masterchef’s Sarah Todd shares impact of her mum’s breast cancer diagnosis

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/breast-cancer" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">one in seven</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Australian </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, many of us know someone who has been affected.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After her mum was diagnosed with the disease on her 50th birthday, celebrity chef and MasterChef alumni </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahtodd/?hl=en" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sarah Todd</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> found out firsthand how the diagnosis can turn the lives of individuals and their families upside down.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844710/sarah-todd1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e1edef836a8f4d8b8b75be19a9577334" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sarah and her mum at the Australian Open. Image: Supplied</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since then, Sarah has become passionate about raising awareness and funds for breast cancer clinical trials.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She has also partnered with Breast Cancer Trials to encourage Aussies to raise money to help develop treatments and cures for the disease.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sarah sat down with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">OverSixty</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to chat about her mum’s diagnosis, her passion for cancer research, and how others can get involved.</span></p> <p><strong>O60: Your passion for research into breast cancer clinical trials comes from your own experience after your mum was diagnosed thirteen years ago. Could you tell us a bit more about that time and how that passion came about?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, there was no hesitation in starting her treatment. It was Mum's positive mindset combined with the specialised treatment she received that assisted her recovery. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is not until you or someone you love must fight for their life that you realise how vital the Breast Cancer Trials are. I am incredibly grateful, and it is through these trials, new treatments are developed to improve recovery rates.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844711/sarah-todd2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dd12b61cdd4340b1b07ff0009f2fa3c0" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sarah’s mum and aunty. Image: Supplied</span></em></p> <p><strong>O60: What are your hopes for breast cancer research in the next ten years?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through breast cancer research, I hope that the incidence of breast cancer will decrease to the extent that the focus will be on prevention strategies. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After seeing someone battle through chemotherapy, I hope that treatment will become less invasive. </span></p> <p><strong>O60: You have teamed up with the Breast Cancer Trials ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, can you tell us a bit about how people can get involved?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Depending on your excitement levels, you can either get involved by rolling up your sleeves and taking part in the 3 course challenge or you can simply donate to any of the participants.</span></p> <p><strong>O60: The 3 Course Challenge is all about getting people cooking and raising money, what is your go-to recipe for when friends and family are coming over?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is nothing quite like the flavours and aromas of Indian cuisine. At least once a week, you will find a fish curry simmering away in my kitchen. I will be sharing this recipe with the 3 Course Challenge participants. Once they learn how easy this fragrant, light, flavoursome curry is, it will become a regular in their household as well.</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/CUCGZonhdlG/?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/CUCGZonhdlG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by SARAH TODD (@sarahtodd)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.3coursechallenge.com.au/main-homepage" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 Course Challenge</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, hosted by the Breast Cancer Trials, is encouraging food lovers to get cooking - or support other cooks - to raise funds for research in breast cancer treatments.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The challenge runs from August until November and calls on foodies to whip up a three-course Indian meal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Those who raise more than $150 will get a chance to learn how to make three delicious courses from Sarah Todd over livestream.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Supplied</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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Zara and Mike Tindall's act of kindness amid bushfire disaster

<p>Mike and Zara Tindall have taken time out of their Queensland holiday to attend a fundraiser for bushfire victims.</p> <p>The couple have been in Australia since December as they celebrated the New Year with a few celebrity friends.</p> <p>On Sunday, the Tindall’s attended the Magic Millions Polo tournament, which was helping raise money for the firefighter’s fund.</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/B67pLjiA3Uz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B67pLjiA3Uz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Awesome way to kick off @magicmillions week with the @magicmillionspolo . Such a good laugh and a great start to fundraising for the firefighters fund! #magicmillionsfamily @countryroadman @pacificfair</a></p> <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 post shared by @<a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/mike_tindall12/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> mike_tindall12</a> on Jan 5, 2020 at 12:52am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Zara opted for a chic red printed dress with a black trilby hat and red gold chain bag. Mike wore a navy shirt with a light blue blazer, chinos and trainers, carrying a white hat.</p> <p>Taking to Instagram to share a series of photos from the event, Mike wrote:</p> <p>“Awesome way to kick off @magicmillions week with @magicmillionspolo. Such a good laugh and a great start to fundraising for the firefighter fund!”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Awesome way to kick off magicmillions week with the magicmillionspolo . Such a good laugh and a great start to fundraising for the firefighters fund! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/magicmillionsfamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#magicmillionsfamily</a> countryroadman <a href="https://twitter.com/pacificfairGC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pacificfairGC</a> @ Gold Coast,… <a href="https://t.co/ufb8B9Yr84">https://t.co/ufb8B9Yr84</a></p> — mike tindall (@miketindall13) <a href="https://twitter.com/miketindall13/status/1213745009180069888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 January 2020</a></blockquote> <p>He also shared news of the event on Twitter.</p> <p>Zara is an equestrian, Olympian and the eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. She is first cousin to Prince William and Prince Harry. Mike is a former rugby player.</p> <p><em>OverSixty, its parent company and its owners are donating a total of $200,000 to the Vinnie’s Bushfire Appeal. We have also pledged an additional $100,000 of product to help all those affected by the bushfire crisis. We would love you to support too! Head to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw" target="_blank">Vinnie's website</a> to donate!</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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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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Beware: Social media scammers using golfer Jarrod Lyle’s death to make money

<p>Jarrod Lyle’s widow has been forced to interrupt her mourning, so she can warn fans to beware of fake fundraising pages that have been set up by scammers.</p> <p>The 36-year-old golfer made the heartbreaking decision to move into palliative care earlier this month, after battling myeloid leukaemia since last year.</p> <p>Lyle passed away 10 days later in Torquay, Victoria, surrounded by friends and family.  </p> <p>Instead of being able to grieve during this devastating time, Lyle’s wife Briony has been forced to deal with scammers taking advantage of well-meaning fans and supporters. </p> <p>“Yet another Insta account has appeared to take advantage of Jarrod’s death,” Briony said.</p> <p>“I apologise for the nuisance.”</p> <p>The con-artists have set up various fake Instagram accounts, where they have been encouraging unsuspecting people to donate to the grieving family. </p> <p>“It’s absolutely disgusting what they’re doing to take advantage of a family who are grieving and innocent people who think they’re supporting them,” scam victim Meegan Malouf said.</p> <p>“I was pretty upset that someone would use the name of a charity, especially [so] soon after the passing of Jarrod Lyle,” Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commissioner Dr Gary Johns said.</p> <p>Dr Johns urged anyone who has been targeted by this scam to keep a record of all conversations and to report the accounts to Instagram, so they can be shut down.</p> <p>“The message is, if you’re unsure, come onto <a href="https://www.acnc.gov.au/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>our website</strong></span></a> and check if it’s a registered charity,” Dr Johns said.</p> <p>“If you want to donate, go to the charity’s website, it’s much safer.”</p>

Legal

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We’re cycling from Cairns to Perth for brain research

<p>Retirement for most means enjoying a gentler pace of life but for New Zealanders Del and Cindy Henley, both 77, cycling across Australia has been a long-term goal.</p> <p>In 2017, health problems sabotaged their plans to attempt a ride, but now both are fit and well and on May 27,2018 they begin a 7000kms cycle from Cairns to Perth, unsupported,  towing their tent, food and belongings behind them in trailers – and praying for a tail wind!</p> <p>On retiring, the couple took up cycling for exercise and soon began looking for longer, more challenging rides. After two, month long cycling holidays in France, they turned their sights on Australia.</p> <p>“At 70 we began cycling and since then have completed several lengthy cycle rides in Australia,” says Cindy.</p> <p>The pair have since completed three lengthy rides in Australia over the last 5 years – Perth to Adelaide over the Nullarbor Plain, Adelaide to the Gold Coast via the Great Ocean Road, and Adelaide to Darwin through the outback.</p> <p>“This next trip will be the most challenging yet,” says Del.  “We’ll cycle through vast isolated areas with no cell phone coverage, or sources of food and water, so there’s been lots of careful planning.”</p> <p>“For me it’s the challenge,” he says. “Everything’s impossible, until it’s done.”</p> <p>Not so for Cindy, though.</p> <p>“I don’t do challenges. I just go along for the ride – and to keep an eye on him,” she claims.</p> <p>The pair will be raising funds for brain research and have opened a “Give a Little” page for donations to the NZ Neurological Foundation.</p> <p>“Both our mothers, family members and several friends have succumbed to brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Stroke and Motor Neurone Disease.”</p> <p>“We want to help our world class neurosurgeons to unravel the complexities of the brain and eventually prevent these commonly occurring disorders,” Cindy adds.</p> <p>Follow their blog on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.cairnstoperthcycle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.cairnstoperthcycle.blogspot.com</a></strong></span></p> <p>To donate, go to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/cairnstoperthcycle" target="_blank">www.givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/cairnstoperthcycle</a></strong></span></p>

Mind

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Meghan Markle’s estranged sister sets up online fundraiser asking for $20,000

<p>Meghan Markle’s half-sister has created an online fundraising page asking for $20,000 to make her home more accessible to the wheelchair user.</p> <p>Samantha Grant, 52, has previously spoken out against her actress sister who is dating Prince Harry, describing her as a “self-obsessed” social climber.</p> <p>The mother-of-three admitted last year that she hasn’t seen Meghan since 2008.</p> <p>Samantha, who suffers from MS, started a GoFundMe page to ask for money to make adjustments to her home.</p> <p>“For years I've struggled with the inability to get around my home effectively and safely in a wheelchair,” she wrote on her page, which has so far raised $150,” she writes on the page.</p> <p>“Some may think that because I look OK that I can't possibly struggle.</p> <p>“The truth is that I do with spinal MS. I would just like to be able to navigate my home safely and efficiently.</p> <p>“I'd like to be able to walk and undergo physical therapy but until and unless I can, I am barred from so many daily activities because my house is not accessible to my wheelchair.”</p> <p><img width="446" height="297" src="https://s.yimg.com/iu/api/res/1.2/LFXpzfo0WDQ6fvUQlyxtTw--~D/cm90YXRlPWF1dG87dz05NjA7YXBwaWQ9eXZpZGVv/https://s.yimg.com/ea/img/-/171023/59ed0ecf7778b_24759094_1508362066.6197_59ed0e83136d4.jpg" alt="Samantha Grant GoFundMe" class="article-figure-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>However, the page has also garnered $150 from the public but those who have donated have left some scathing comments.</p> <p>“They say you are Meghan Markle's sister. If that is true… shame on her for not helping you with all the money she's making. God bless you and the laws of the universe does exist," one person said.</p> <p>"Lots of good luck wishes always from me here in the UK for a new home for Samantha, I too have MS have fought for nearly 50 years no meds and too have a bungalow adapted for me," another person said.</p> <p>Samantha is set to <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/2017/09/inside-meghan-markles-sisters-tell-all-book/">release a book “The Diary of Princess Pushy’s Sister, which will detail her tumultuous relationship with Meghan.</a> </span></strong></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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