By Allison Langdon

I thought this would be a simple assignment. All I had to do was write amazing things about a journalist, a human, I greatly admire. The irrepressible Ray Martin.

Everyone knows and loves him. Easy, right? No. The problem is obvious - there are simply too many good things to say about this man with the big heart, who would do anything for anyone and smiles with his eyes. That was always one of the best things about Ray on television - you knew how he felt because he showed us his real self. If Ray was mad, we were all mad, if Ray was laughing so were we. Quite simply, he’s one of a kind. 

Mention Humpty to Ray and be prepared to settle in for a long chat. His commitment to the cause, to providing medical equipment and supplies - particularly to regional and remote Australia - is a passion project. As Ray said himself, 

‘I know the phrase lifesaving rolls easily off the tongue. But that’s exactly what buying this equipment does.’

When Ray talks about the humble early days of Humpty, it’s him and Founder Paul Francis, who Ray once described as a ‘party-loving bachelor and wine-aficionado, who enjoys teaching women how to play tennis.’ The moment you meet Paul, you realise the cheek with which Ray wrote that. Paul is a man determined to make a difference and give back. I feel even he is surprised by the success of the Foundation and what’s been achieved over the past 35 years. 

Theirs is a story of mateship. Travelling the country to some of the most remote regions - in a way better than Santa Claus - effectively giving the gift of life to children in need. It may have started with a request from Royal North Shore to raise funds to paint the paediatric ward, but all these years later, over $100 million has been raised by Humpty and its generous community of supporters, with much of the equipment donated to hospitals in regional areas. A love of the bush is something Ray and Paul share, country trips they’ve done over the years raising awareness of Humpty. There was one young boy who stole Ray’s heart in Darwin in 2021.

Ray Martin and Davey Gumbula, a Yolgnu Aboriginal baby from Nhulunbuy, in the Northern Territory

Davey Gumbula. A Yolgnu Aboriginal baby from Nhulunbuy, in the Northern Territory (NT). Davey was born with a heart defect that was almost certainly going to kill him. Months before he was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) in the NT, Humpty had bought a high tech cot to fly the sickest babies interstate for medical attention. Davey was its first patient. Dr Louise Woodward, the much loved Darwin paediatrician who, as Ray says, 'makes miracles happen', had reached out to the Foundation, begging for this piece of equipment. It cost more than $300,000. 

I met Dr Woodward 15 years ago when my sister delivered her baby girl Olivia in RDH at just 26 weeks. Back then, there was no way to transport critically ill babies to interstate hospitals quickly and safely. Our family is forever grateful that after 4 months in the neonatal intensive care unit, Olivia was able to leave hospital and is thriving today. What if she had needed to be moved and there was no transport incubator? It’s not worth thinking about, but how many families had to deal with the devastating consequences of it not existing before Humpty stepped up? 

Back to Davey. In Ray’s words,

‘Davey, with his curly hair and big smile, is an absolute poster child. Full of life and simply beautiful. As it happens he’s about the same age as my beloved grandson, Arlo. I can’t imagine a world without Arlo, as I’m sure Davey’s family feel about him.’ 

Recounting a time the pair met at a Humpty event when Davey was three years old, 

‘His black curls spilling down his face, laughing uncontrollably, every time I threw him in the air.’

To date, countless babies have survived because of this special piece of equipment. I know Ray has gotten so much out of the work he’s done for Humpty these past 35 years, and it’s hard to imagine the Foundation without Ray’s magic. He’ll hate me saying that, and no doubt remind me of the many incredible people who have worked for Humpty tirelessly over the years. I have met quite many members of the Humpty team, and they are as committed as Ray and Paul, and just as passionate. I can only imagine what a privilege it’s been having him so closely involved as Patron for so many years. Even after stepping down from that role, he’s still involved. There is nothing he wouldn’t do to help sick kids and their families. 

Bob Holt and Ray Martin in Katherine

When Bob Holt, a long haul truck driver from Katherine, happened across the Good Egg Magazine while on the 'dunny' a few years back, he picked up the phone and called Paul. Bob had worked hard all of his life, his kids were well looked after, and, at 82 years of age, he wanted to give back. After a few significant donations, he was proud to walk into Katherine Hospital and see what he had purchased was saving lives. So, he rang Paul wanting to donate $1 million. You know what Ray and Paul did? They went straight up to the Territory to meet him. He was a joy and he loved Ray. When asked why he made the million dollar donation, Bob smiled and stated, 

'I don’t want to be the richest man in the cemetery!'

I think the story of Bob Holt sums up the heart and soul of Humpty - a reminder of the many generous and kind humans we are surrounded by, none more so than Ray Martin himself. Ray’s passion has helped save countless little lives, for them - and for all of us - thank you, Ray.