Carrie Bickmore’s Tears for Her Late Husband
Carrie Bickmore has been named the 2026 Victorian of the Year. Her personal tragedy—the loss of her husband to brain cancer—eventually inspired a mission that earned her Victoria’s top civic honour.
The well-known TV and radio presenter received the award on Thursday evening at the Australian of the Year ceremony in Melbourne. She was recognised for her relentless efforts in raising awareness and funding for brain cancer research.
Dedication Through Personal Loss
Bickmore established the charity Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer in 2015, five years after her husband Greg Lange passed away from the disease. Since its founding, the organisation has collected an impressive $27 million to support research and raise awareness.
“It’s really bittersweet to be honest, because I wouldn’t be here unless my late husband had died,” said an emotional Bickmore, 44, in her acceptance speech, as reported by the Herald Sun.
“And so, while I graciously accept the award, if I could go back and make that little 21-year-old me not have to watch her boyfriend have a seizure in bed and then endure a nine-year battle with brain cancer, I would do that.”
A Legacy of Love and Purpose
Despite Greg Lange’s terminal diagnosis, the couple married in 2005 when Bickmore was 25. They had one son, Oliver, who is now 18. Lange passed away at 34, leaving behind a legacy that continues through Bickmore’s advocacy and compassion.
Author’s Summary: Carrie Bickmore transformed her grief into purpose, raising millions for brain cancer research and earning Victoria’s highest honour for her dedication.