Worth Their Weight In Gold: Recent Episodes
Steve Allan: 6 x Winner Australian Commercial Radio Awards
We all know an unsung hero, someone who goes above and beyond in every facet of their life. Someone, Worth Their Weight in Gold! Award winning broadcaster Steve Allan will share these incredible stories.
In part two, Chris reveals the extent of his injuries, his long road to recovery and the realisation that his track and field career is over.
Chris talks at length about mental strength and the power of positivity, as well as the incredible generosity of the community, including an act of kindness instigated by radio stars Kyle and Jackie O.
He reminisces about watching a young Nicola McDermott join his high jump squad, and the pride he feels being the number one scholarship holder with the Donnica Clarke Foundation.
Apart from some aches and pains and a degenerative back condition, Chris now says his body is at 90 percent. He has represented New South Wales in Masters Oz Tag, and was even asked to pull on the Irish Exiles jersey at this year’s World Cup.
At the age of 15 Chris Dodd breaks the magical two-metre barrier, and under coach Matthew Horsnell he improves rapidly, winning the New South Wales Open High Jump Championship, clearing over two-metres-20.
He is on target to represent Australia on the International stage, when his career is suddenly cut short by a freak accident.
In a terrifying moment, Chris saves his daughter’s life, however while being treated by Paramedics, he realises his Olympic dream is over.
A compelling story of courage, resilience, family, fighting back and the power of positivity.
In Part Two, Terry discusses the day in 2018 when his life changed forever.
On a training ride with three great friends, Terry was struck by a young driver and almost lost his life.
He also talks at length about his son Jon, who has severe autism.
While it has been an incredible challenge for the entire family, the Chigwidden’s have been determined to give Jon every opportunity possible, and to ensure that he’s not The Invisible Man.
After commencing a TV course in North Sydney, Terry Chigwidden lands a job at Channel 10, and has worked alongside some of the legends of the industry in a career spanning over 50 years.
In that time, Terry has filmed some of the greatest sporting moments of all time, including 6 Olympic Games, The Australian Open Tennis and Rugby League Grand Finals.
He loves cycling and also Ironman Triathlon, and was lucky to survive, after a training accident on Good Friday 2018.
Terry and his wife Jenny are also the proud parents of three children, including a severely autistic son. He speaks at length about the challenges the family has faced raising Jon, who recently celebrated his 34th Birthday. For this reason alone, Terry is well and truly worth his weight in gold.
Alex Lee has devoted most of his life to charitable causes, commencing with Clean Up Australia Day, while he attended Epping Boys High School.
He studied commerce, accounting and business management at the University of New South Wales, however on numerous occasions left his job to help those less fortunate.
When Alex volunteered at The Glen Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre on the New South Wales Central Coast, he could feel a seismic shift in his psyche, and he has now been there for close to a decade.
His other passion is running. In 2021, he set a national record when he completed 10 marathons in 10 days. He achieved the same feat in 2022, breaking the course record on the final day.
Now he’s aiming to do his own Nedd Brockman – aiming to run 5000 kilometres for a charity in Phuket in 2023.
It’s fair to say that Alex Lee is Worth His Weight In Gold.
Hailing from a small town in Country Victoria, Tracey learned the value of community service at an early age. Her Mum and Dad were outstanding role models and have shaped the woman she has become.
She chose nursing as a profession and was on track to work in the Emergency ICU Department in Melbourne, but followed her heart and relocated to Sydney to be with her future husband Russell.
In 1987, Tracey lands a job as a midwife at Blacktown, and since then she’s been involved in thousands of births, sharing the absolute jubilation in that moment.
She’s the president of a local water polo club, a mother of four beautiful children, and a dear friend to all.
We believe she’s certainly Worth Her Weight In Gold.