Megan Gale and Shaun Hampson open up about joy of son’s birth, heartache of fathers’ deaths
MEGAN Gale and Shaun Hampson have opened up about the public joy and private heartache they endured after the birth of their son, River.
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MEGAN Gale and Shaun Hampson have opened up about the public joy and private heartache they endured after the birth of their son, River, was bookended by the deaths of both their fathers.
Hampson’s father, Tom, died in April 2014 after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. River was born a month later in May. Then in October, Gale’s father, Alan, died of lung cancer.
“To go through Dad passing, and then a month later, having the sheer joy of your son being born, it was kind of bitter sweet,” Hampson said.
“It was kind of the best year for us, and the worst year as well in a lot of ways,” Gale said.
Speaking for the first time about their year of grief — and happiness — both Gale and Hampson want to encourage all men to get regular medical check-ups.
They support the Movember campaign which helps the fight against prostate and testicular cancer and tackles men’s mental health issues.
With Gale’s career in modelling, business and TV, and Hampson playing AFL for Richmond, the two are extremely public figures.
But out of the spotlight, the couple became each other’s emotional rocks to get through their grief without outsiders knowing.
“To go through something so terrible and so close together, it definitely does make you stronger,” Hampson said.
Gale added: “Tom went first, so Shaun was still grieving when my Dad went, but he was coaching me through it ... it was almost unspoken, we just knew how to look after each other.
“Also, we were trying to not show it in front of our son, too.”
When River was born in May 2014, it was a blessing for both families.
Gale’s dad, Alan, had the chance to meet his grandson before he died. Gale found out about her father’s lung cancer diagnosis after a visit home to Perth to tell him she was 10 weeks pregnant.
“I think having River was such an amazing thing because he was so healing for both our families,” Gale said.
“He brought everyone together in such a crucial time.
“It was hard, too, being new parents. Normally when you have a baby, especially the first one, everyone is so hands on and involved, but our families were grieving.
“Not to say we didn’t have help, but my mum was still caring for my dad, and I couldn’t go to Perth because I had a newborn, and Shaun’s mum had just lost a husband.
“It was a really crazy time.”
River, 2, is a constant reminder for Gale and Hampson, and their families, of Tom and Alan. Even down to his name: his middle names are Tom and Alan.
“I know with River, I see a bit of my dad in him, especially with the eyes,” Gale said. “I think he has got my eyes and they are my dad’s.
“That’s quite cool to see that. He is a lovely reminder of both of our dads.
“Both of our dads were funny, funny men, and he definitely has their humour.”
Interviewing Gale and Hampson this week, it was clear to see they are in love.
Their eyes light up when speaking about each other.
“When it comes to work, I’ve never seen anyone work harder,” Hampson said of his partner. “And she is an amazing mum, and balances everything. She is incredible.”
Gale added: “I’ve always been proud of him, but the last two years he has been extra special.
“He became a first-time dad, and lost his dad within a month, and just to see how strong he was ... I’m super proud.”
Gale has donated her time to design a line of watches for local company Uncle Jack, with 10 per cent of sales going to Movember.
“We are helping out a cause that we very much believe in, so this is a really special one,” she said.
Originally published as Megan Gale and Shaun Hampson open up about joy of son’s birth, heartache of fathers’ deaths
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