HOORAY FOR RAY (AND A HEARTFELT THANK YOU) 

Reaching almost six decades in any career would be a huge life achievement for most people. But for a man whose career started in radio, led to global reporting on 60 Minutes, to taking over the helm of A Current Affair and Sunday – it’s pretty special. That same man has also delighted audiences with his wit and humour on The Midday Show for nine years, before branching out into documentaries exploring a vast range of issues. 

Of course, I’m talking about Ray Martin AM – the much revered TV legend who’s been on our screens for so long, many of us probably can’t remember a time when he wasn’t. Australians have listened to Ray’s voice hundreds of times over the years; we’ve watched that famous twinkle in his eye as he’s told stories that have endlessly intrigued, educated and entertained us. 

Whilst not wanting to diminish that phenomenal record in any way, it’s the extraordinary work Ray’s achieved for the last 34 years as Patron of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation that has left me truly in awe. 

Back in 1990 when Humpty Founder and Chairman, Paul Francis, and Ray first discussed how they might be able to promote a fundraising event, Ray went on radio to see if he could drum up interest from the public. 

Their goal was to raise $35,000, a figure they surpassed by more than $30,000. Their first thought after that was, “What if we could help other hospitals around NSW and then the rest of the country?” Before long, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation was born. 

Fast forward to 2024, and Humpty now supports around 500 hospitals and health services across our great land. It has raised over $100 million, providing over 6,500 pieces of often lifesaving medical equipment for babies and children across Australia, all through the generosity of Humpty’s donors. 

It’s near impossible to put a figure on how many children’s health outcomes have been improved by this, or how many lives have been saved. 

Not to mention the impact on the frontline healthcare workers and researchers in paediatric wards, neonatal units, and maternity and emergency departments, who’ve had access to this state-of-the-art medical equipment. It’s technology that’s helping them provide the care they were trained to do, and in a much more efficient and productive way. 

I recently was lucky enough to interview Ray, who’s soon turning 80 (sorry if I let the cat out of the bag, Ray!). Reaching that milestone, he’s keen to focus more on the family he adores, including two young grandchildren – and devote a bit more time to his passion of photography, whilst still fitting in the occasional TV gig. So, Ray’s made the difficult decision to step away from his public facing role with Humpty. 

Let’s face it, we’ll never let him go completely as he is part of Humpty’s DNA – but I don’t think anyone can begrudge Ray this decision for a second, given his monumental commitment to Humpty over the years. 

Ray’s hosted over 100 lunches, dinners and balls and visited over 50 regional and remote hospitals and health centres to see for himself the donated Humpty medical equipment in situ. He’s heard firsthand from health workers, patients and families about the impact it’s having, so he can pass the message on to our fabulous donors. 

But a funny thing happened during our interview. As the consummate professional, Ray was happy to talk about the charity that means so much to him; to wax lyrical about the Humpty team working tirelessly behind the scenes. He sung the praises of our donors – and shared stories of the adventures he and Paul Francis got up to over the years. 

But when I tried to get Ray to acknowledge the role HE has personally played, he squirmed. He deflected every single compliment and swatted them back effortlessly into the direction of others around him. His class and humility make him even more endearing, but the facts remain: Ray’s star power has had an enormous impact. He’s opened doors when times have been challenging; he’s advocated endlessly on behalf of Humpty, and we wouldn’t be achieving what we are in the NT without him. 

And, after being Ray’s back-up at events he couldn’t do over the past (almost) three decades, I feel very lucky to try and follow in his enormous footsteps. I couldn’t think of anyone I’d like to try and emulate more, for the way he has conducted himself, the values he lives by, and his desire to make the world a better place. So, if you come along to a Humpty event, or see me round the traps, please come up and say hi, as like Ray… I do love a chat. 

And Ray, even if you’re uncomfortable reading this – thank you. On behalf of everyone you’ve ever dealt with through Humpty, of all the families across the country you’ve brought help and relief to, and the tireless dedication you’ve given this wonderful charity. 

We’ll continue what you have started with gusto, but we appreciate – so much – everything you have done. Humpty literally wouldn’t be what it is today without you!