Podcaster Scott O’Halloran reveals surrogacy inspired 93rd Good Friday Appeal role

Podcaster ‘Sassy Scott’ has spoken about the ‘miracle’ surrogacy experience that inspired him to take abother brave leap.

This year’s Good Friday Appeal hits close to home for Melbourne podcast personality Scott O’Halloran.

The co-host of ‘The Luke & Sassy Scott Podcast’ will join his brother Luke O’Halloran as an official ambassador for the 93rd Good Friday Appeal, an annual statewide fundraiser held across Victoria for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) on Friday, March 29.

After supporting the Appeal through social media last year, the brothers came on board when Scott’s ‘miracle’ surrogacy brought the cause even closer to their hearts.

“Having grown up in Melbourne, both of us have always had a deep admiration for the RCH Good Friday appeal,” the siblings said.

“Fast forward to now, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and use our platform to help bring attention, awareness and support to this incredible cause, the hospital and people within it.”

In February, Scott and his long-term partner Marcus Sellen boarded a last-minute flight to the United States to welcome their twin baby boys via surrogacy after they were born seven weeks premature.

Scott O'Halloran (R) and husband Marcus (L) returned to Australia with their twin boys earlier this year after spending month in a US intensive unit. Picture: Mark Stewart

The couple had to stay in the US for a month after the challenging birth, with their babies receiving constant medical surveillance from the staff at Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo, Texas.

“I’ve just returned from the USA with my twin sons, who spent a month in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” Scott said.

“My husband and I watched on in complete awe of the medical teams in that ward.

“People that work with children of any age in need of care deserve all of our support, and I hope this Good Friday you can join me in spreading the light that these people so dearly deserve.”

Despite what the couple described as a “few near-death experiences,” the twins and their surrogate recovered and the young family returned safely back to Australia, as detailed in the three-part “baby journey” podcast series.

For Scott and Marcus, the experience highlighted how important it is for children and families to have access to quality care of the kind provided at the RCH thanks to the annual fundraiser.

The Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal Penny Fowler said the initiative “wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of the whole community”.

Luke (M) and Scott (R) have a huge following through the Luke and Sassy Scott Podcast where they discussed the surrogacy with Marcus (L) a three-part series. Picture: Mark Stewart

“The Good Friday Appeal is all about people giving what they can to provide world-class care to sick children and their families,” Ms Fowler said.

“For the first time in our history, we are thrilled to be using a portion of funds to take the RCH excellence into the regions to help kids receive care closer to home and build capability.

“Having a heart is what the Good Friday Appeal is all about, and we’re in awe of the heartfelt support from the community for generously giving and to all the volunteers for your support,” she continued.

This year the Australian Hotels Association ‘Top Pubs Challenge’ will also spotlight grassroots fundraising in the regions as more than 100 venues across Victoria battle it out to raise the most money.

So far, the Robinhood Inn in Drouin West and the Lower Plenty Hotel are neck in neck for the top spot ahead of the final day of competition on March 31, with more than $25,000 already committed to the cause.

This year will have big boots to fill after last year’s campaign raised a record breaking $23 million dollars. Since the initiative started more than nine decades ago, the Good Friday Appeal has raised $444 million dollars in total.

Piano Bar stars Shandelle Cooke (L) Joss Russell and Andy Pobjoy rattle tins between songs for the Good Friday Appeal. More than 100 venues will participate in the Top Pubs Challenge this year. Picture: Alison Wynd

Ways to get involved

● Donate what you can at goodfridayappeal.com.au

•Attend one of the venues competing in the Top Pubs Challenge.

● Register or volunteer in Victoria’s favourite fun run, the Transurban/Herald Sun’s Run for the Kids on March 17, 2024 at www.runforthekids.com.au

● Host a fundraiser, register at goodfridayappeal.com.au/fundraise

● Attend the Good Friday SuperClash AFL match at Marvel Stadium between North Melbourne and Carlton – with $5 from every adult ticket donated directly to the GFA.

● Purchase a $10 raffle ticket online with over $315k worth of prizes on offer to be won.

• Attend the family-fun Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Activities featuring the Teddy Bear Hospital, Woolworths Fresh Fair, carnival rides, sporting zone, market stalls, food trucks, classic cars and entertainment from 10am – 5pm.

● Watch the Channel 7 telethon from 12pm on Good Friday and donate by calling 1300 APPEAL or go online www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/donate

● Donate your containers with 10 cents being donated from each container deposited as part of the Container Deposit Scheme.