Tag: Confidential

Pictorial proof has emerged of Olivia Newton-John’s secret visit to a grief-stricken Perth girl just a month after she suffered critical injuries in a 2003 crash that killed her mother.

Emily Barker was one of WA’s most promising young singing stars at 11 — and a big fan of Newton-John’s — but her life was changed forever when she was traveling in a car that collided with a truck in Beechboro.

Former Princess Margaret Hospital public relations manager MJ Wallace told The West Australian the girl’s now-late father Ron had called Newton-John’s record label to see if she would visit his daughter while she was in Perth for a concert.

The singing superstar did not hesitate, on the condition no media were alerted to the visit.

But a personal family picture of the pair tells a multi-faceted story of the physical difficulties Emily still faces in her life in Perth as a 30-year-old, as well as the selflessness described as typical in the wake of Newton-John’s death , aged 73.

Emily’s father said at the time that Newton-John had promised to do a duet with the girl when she recovered.

Kerry Bradford, who ran the Morley Dance Studio where Emily was a student, was in the hospital room on one of her daily visits to the girl when her singing hero walked in.

Mrs Bradford had been “good friends” with Emily’s parents, who were keen ballroom dancers and teachers, since before she was born.

Olivia Newton-John’s selfless attitude can be best described in a secret hospital visit to a grieving and badly hurt girl in a Perth hospital in 2003.

Emily Barker was just 11 and in critical condition in Princess Margaret Hospital after a crash in Beechboro that killed her 39-year-old mother, Catherine. Their car and a truck had collided after lightning had knocked out traffic lights at the scene of the incident.

Soon after, the girl’s father Ron — knowing Newton-John was in Perth for a concert — rang her record label to try to organize a spirit-lifting visit.

Former Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo has given a health update to his fans, as the singer continues to battle cancer.

The 34-year-old X Factor finalist was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and has frequently updated his supporters on his road to recovery.

Ruffo shared several snaps on his Instagram to mark five years since his heartbreaking diagnosis.

The musician shared a carousel of ten photos and videos over the course of his journey, including photos with his supportive partner Tahnee Sims as well as the moment he had staples taken out of his head.

“Exactly 5 years to the day since my diagnosis. Still fighting this son of ab**ch,” he captioned the post.

“Thanks for all the support”.

The former Perth boy was met with a wave of love and support from his famous friends, including AFL legend Brendan Fevola, comedian Dave Hughesy, and one-half of The Veronicas, Jessica Origliasso.

His former H&A costars also voiced their support, including Dan Ewing, Georgie Parker, Kyle Pryor, and Emily Symons.

His partner also shared her own post to mark the milestone.

“Five years on 💜 In awe of you every single day,” she wrote alongside photos of the pair.

“Still a huge battle ahead but a major milestone reached that was at times uncertain. Grateful for you always @johnny_ruffo.”

Ruffo’s health update comes just weeks ahead of the release of his upcoming memoir, No Finish Line.

Set to be released on August 30, the book will give his fans an insight into the negative impacts fame has had on his life.

The singer was originally diagnosed with a rare brain cancer in 2017, he revealed two years later that he was all-clear of the disease. Sadly in November 2020, I shared the devastating news that his cancer had returned.