Show of support: Oprah calls Mel Dzelde to send love and pledge $15,000

Much-loved radio identity and author Mel Dzelde’s battle with illness has received a boost thanks to a call from an old friend – Oprah Winfrey.

Global superstar Oprah Winfrey has made all Mel Dzelde’s Christmases come at once with a special call and a pledge to donate $15,000 to support her long-time friend.

After overcoming cancer three times, much-loved radio identity and author Mel, who is at Mary Potter Hospice, was diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer and Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year.

Ali Clarke had been sharing Mel and her husband Chris Dzelde’s story of resilience and strength on her Mix 102.3 breakfast radio show last week.

Mel Dzelde on a surprise phone call to Oprah Winfrey, at Mary Potter Hospice. Picture: Supplied

On Friday morning, The Ali Clarke Breakfast Show partnered with the brekky team from Power FM, Mel having worked for both stations with Chris.

Their plan was to fulfil Mel’s wish to enjoy a special Christmas with her loved ones and treat her to a series of surprises.

One of them was Oprah, who Mel met in 2002 at an International Women’s Conference in Detroit.

Oprah had held back her flight schedule for an hour to call Mel.

Mel Dezelde and Oprah Winfery. Picture: Supplied

During the surprise call, Mel’s spirits instantly lifted as she heard Oprah’s moving words of admiration.

“You are such an inspiration. You are the greatest human spirit we have all witnessed. We’ve never met a woman like you know.” Oprah told her.

“Christmas is whatever day you make it because it lives in your heart. and it’s an expression of pure love coming from all the best places,

“Everybody’s there just to show you how much we care about you and how much you mean to us.”

“So blessings to you and thank you for all the grace and inspiration you’ve given to all of us.”

Mel Dzelde pictured with her husband Chris at their Nairne home. Picture: Tom Huntley

The Ali Clarke Breakfast Show has established a Go Fund Me page to help the Dzelde family.

After the phone call, Oprah pledged $15,000 towards it.

Other special guests on Friday morning’s show included Matt Gilbertson aka Hans, Anne Wills, Erin Phillips, singer Kate Ceberano, Adelaide Crows player Rory Sloane, musician Diesel, Hayley Pearson from Adelady and Amanda Keller.

Originally published as Show of support: Oprah calls Mel Dzelde to send love and pledge $15,000