Gibbo’s Long Lunch to aid the JGSP&FP

Under a radiant sun and against a backdrop of lush emerald-green paddocks embracing the sparkling Manning River, Mansfield on the Manning became the canvas for a five-hour lunch experience like no other on Saturday, November 11th.

Hosted by the Gibson family, 220 invited guests gathered for a very special event.  “Gibbo’s Long Lunch” was held in memory of a remarkable young man.  A much loved son and brother, Jack Gibson. The event also served as a testament to Jack’s memory, legacy, and support for the Jack Gibson Sarcoma Patient & Family Support Programme (JGSP&FSP). On the eve of what would have been Jack’s 27th birthday, love filled the air, transcending into tangible moments shared amongst attendees.

Suzie, Jack’s mums’ poignant opening speech echoed the sentiment that “Jack brought people together,” setting the tone for a day where cherished memories were exchanged and new bonds were formed. The event surpassed expectations by raising an impressive initial figure of $250k,(and rising) a testament to the enduring impact of Jack’s story.

The Master of Ceremonies for the day was long-standing CRBF ambassador, co-host of the highly successful Fitzy, Wippa & Kate Breakfast Show on Nova FM radio, and Australian media personality, Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, who never disappoints with his unique brand of sincerity, warmth, professionalism & humour.  On the day Wippa managed to not only MC the event, but to slip out between sets, to secure two highly coveted Taylor Swift tickets on the day for auction.   These are concert tickets that sold out in less than 40 minutes of being released, and simply cannot be found, much less purchased.

Words cannot articulate our heartfelt thanks to Wippa for his monumental effort on Saturday in memory of Jack, and for the incredible work he has done for many years providing untold hope to those living with sarcoma. 

Suzie’s moving speech preceded a heartfelt video tribute covering Jack’s 26 years, evoking laughter amidst tears and encapsulating Jack’s essence.

Brother Harry and sister Lily, were simply flawless, as they took us on an emotional roller coaster, recounting so many precious, and often very funny memories of their big brother, while Neil, the patriarch of the family, delivered an impassioned speech impressing the importance of Jack’s Programme, and what it will mean to others walking this road behind him.

Mitchell Rice-Brading, CRBF’s patient support co-ordinator, spoke from the heart covering the evolution of JGSP&FSP, and Jack’s pivotal role in its formative phase, adding a stirring quote from nurse, veteran and sarcoma patient, Kaela Graham-Bowman who generously shared her raw and unfiltered thoughts on what it is really like to live with sarcoma.

Jack’s dear friend, Vince Umbers delivered a stirring and deeply moving musical tribute to Jack, as he did one year prior in the very same setting.  The lyrics of this magnificent song resonated deeply.

Angus Joyce superbly hosted a Jack-centric trivia, and Henry Clarke of Sydney University Cricket Club provided extremely entertaining insights into Jack’s cricketing prowess. Hunter Hordern and Lachie Mactier hosted a lively hole-in-one competition, encouraging the competitive golfing spirit in the room. Alex Grant and Harry Gibson rallied the troops for the races, and bidding was fierce.

Behind the scenes, Suzie, Neil, Harry, and Lily, alongside Anna and Geoff , Georgia,  Emma, Will, Kimberly , Tom, Amelia, Sally, Peter, Sandy, Stu, Cath, Nicky, Jen, Kim Alex, Meg, Rob, Shiv, Lachie and Lindy played instrumental roles from arranging flowers to photography, food prep, video production, catering, and everything in between.

Auction and raffle items for the event were premium offerings, ranging from 18 holes of golf for four at NSW Golf Club with Australian Cricket Captain, Pat Cummins, who generously supported this event.  The Racklyeft family donated 2 weeks at their ski lodge in Big White, British Columbia.  A superb Noosa package was donated by the Hordern and Marlow families; A Potts Point Experience, a luxury pamper package, a weekend at Manning on the Mansfield for 18, and an exquisite Prada handbag donated by Prada Executive Sophie Clark, which found a home with the very popular Sally Mactier.

Special thanks must go to Chrissy Hordern and Siobhan (Shiv) Shaw – Chrissy for her outstanding work in securing the best array of prizes and auction items seen at a charity event in a long time.  Shiv spent countless hours producing flawless work to market the items. Together Chrissy and Shiv made a very significant $100k contribution to the impressive fundraising total. 

Thanks must also go to Emma Duncan for her great work with the mammoth task of AV/IT, and Tom Molloy for capturing the essence of the day with his beautiful photography.

Finally events such as this one are not possible without the profound generosity of donors.                                                 

Avondale Golf ClubRock Salt Noosa
Camperdown Cellars Ross Hill Wines, Orange
Champion Sports (Bushnell) Scarborough Wine Co
China DinerSony Pictures Releasing
Cricket AustraliaSun Mountain Sports
Glasshouse Fragrances Teed up Golf
Hotel Challis Potts PointThe Chapman Family, Palm Beach
Hugo’s Manly The Dinner Ladies
Human Nurture Rose BayThe Dreverman Family, Bowral
Joh Bailey Salon The Holden Family, Blueys Beach
Locale Restaurant & Bar NoosaThe Hordern Family, Noosa
Macleay on Manning, Potts PointThe Marlow Family, Noosa
Macleay St Bistro, Potts PointThe Purbrick Family
Michael Smythe PGAThe Racklyeft Family, Big White
Prada Australia – Sophie ClarkThe Rice-Brading Family
Potts Point BookshopThe Vintage, Hunter Valley
Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant Noosa

In celebrating Jack’s life, the “Gibbo’s Long Lunch” became a tapestry of shared experiences, a testament to the enduring impact of a young man who brought people together and left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.

Let’s all raise our glasses to the very essence of Jack and his remarkable family….

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

On this day six years ago, our family and friends said our final gut-wrenching goodbyes to Cooper at his funeral service. 

It was the first day of spring, a day of rebirth, renewal and hope. 

What we didn’t know at that time was that September 1, also marks the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Cooper had not long turned 18 when his body finally failed him.  He was for all intents and purposes, still a child.

One by one, we saw Cooper’s hopes and dreams savagely torn away from him, despite the fact he clung onto them until the very end. The brightest of futures rewritten in the cruellest manner.

Tragically we now recognise Cooper was one of many.

More than 1,000 Australian children/adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023, & approx 5,600 will be undergoing active treatment for cancer.

Up to 20% will be diagnosed with sarcoma. 

2 out of 5 diagnosed will not survive and those who do may suffer long-term health issues as current therapies/treatment options can affect a child’s growing body, and cause severe disability.

Statistically, 1 in 5 will be diagnosed with a subsequent cancer within 10 years.

In 2022, the projected average years of life lost to sarcoma in Aus, (0-24 age group) was 2,510.  

2,510 years filled with the brightest futures, hopes and dreams – gone in the blink of an eye.

Hope for the future lies in research.


In May, a group of 12 highly recognisable Australians, most of whom had a very special personal connection to Cooper, joined us to highlight the devastation of sarcoma on our young. They spoke candidly about their childhoods and what led them to where they are today.  Their stories form a complete contrast with those of a young person diagnosed with sarcoma – uncertain future, dreams displaced, & wasted potential.

We are excited to share some very special snippets over the weeks ahead & ask that you give thought to the potential & opportunity lost to childhood cancer – in particular, sarcoma which hits our young disproportionately hard. 

Let’s work together and rewrite the narrative to ensure our children have the future always intended.

Don’t let sarcoma end the story …

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month


Sarcoma awareness isn’t limited to a single month or day of the year—it’s something we need to consider 365 days a year.

However, in July, we have an opportunity to bring sarcoma into the spotlight and increase awareness of its sinister nature and the challenges it poses.  A time to direct the spotlight on those impacted by a sarcoma diagnosis—those living with it, their families, carers, survivors, and those forever missed who no longer walk beside us.

This month, CRBF is focusing on our young. Sarcoma affects all ages, but its impact on the young is particularly harsh. Throughout July, we will shed light on the heart-breaking reality faced by young sarcoma patients, driven by alarming mortality rates that show no signs of abating.

Sarcoma, a cancer that can arise anywhere in the body, is often misdiagnosed—especially young people, where symptoms are mistakenly attributed to growing pains, sports injuries, or the anxieties of adolescence.

Joining with us this July will be ten prominent Australians who reflect on their journey from childhood to success in their respective fields, and their immense contributions to Australian society.

What significance do these stories have to sarcoma? They provide a poignant contrast to the experiences of young sarcoma patients who we will also hear from. Far too often, their hopes, dreams, and aspirations are abruptly taken away. Lives changed irreversibly, leaving behind untapped potential.

By listening to these inspiring insights, we hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the immense losses suffered by our young people diagnosed with this cancer. Loss of childhood, freedom, identity, friendships, time, and tragically, life itself. Sarcoma can alter the story at a crucial stage of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, disrupting regular milestones, hindering the dreams of our young.

Together, we can bring hope, support, and a renewed sense of purpose to those impacted.

Let’s rewrite the narrative—don’t let sarcoma end the story.

#SarcomaAwarenessMonth #Notgivingin #Curesarcoma #RewriteTheNarrative

Double Donation April – June 2023


CRBF is thrilled to announce that for the months of April, May and June of 2023, all donations for sarcoma research made through CRBF, will be doubled, up to a staggering $200,000. 100% of funds will then be directed to an exciting & innovative sarcoma research programme to be announced very soon.
That’s right, every dollar you donate will be matched by a profoundly generous private donor, effectively doubling the impact of your contribution.
Sarcoma currently attracts less than 1% of government funding, and it is philanthropy that continues to ensure the dial is moving.

Every donation, large or small, can make a difference in the lives of those living with sarcoma. With this matching opportunity, your gift will go twice as far in helping CRBF achieve our mission.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just learning about our organisation, we invite you to join us in this exciting opportunity, and together we can help make the future brighter for those diagnosed with sarcoma.

IT for a Cause Charity Golf Day


IT for a Cause golf day raises $105,000…

A picture perfect day at the magnificently manicured course @StMichaelsgolf set the scene for the IT for a Cause annual golf day.

The CRBF team comprised of world leading paediatric transplant surgeon Professor Albert Shun, his colleague leading Australian paediatric oncologist and sarcoma specialist, Prof Geoff McCowage, a young man who is dear to CRBF hearts, Coops friend and NSW cricketer @Baxter_ Holt together CRBF Company Secretary, Colin Brading . Golf was however the winner on the day…

Outstanding leadership from David Abouhaidar, Jody King, Alana Hogan and the team at @SecureAgility who oversaw a huge undertaking for three very fortunate charities: @SaveOurSons Duchenne Foundation, @RMC_ Sydney and the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation .

Our most sincere thanks go to the David, Jody, Alana and the Secure Agility team for this incredible opportunity. Thank you must also go to all sponsors, attendees and Simone, Jamie and the team from RMHC, and Ellie, Julie and the team from Save our Sons Duchenne Foundation.

Your support will make a profound difference to our work at CRBF with 100% of donations directed to patient support and high level research into sarcoma.

CRBF Support Kits for those living with sarcoma


When you are diagnosed with sarcoma, your world changes in the blink of an eye.  Life is suddenly filled with extreme angst and the unknown.

Our Patient Support Advocate, the late Jack Gibson knew this feeling all too well, and it was Jack who spent hours of his time thinking about those things that made a difference throughout his treatment.

With the exception of the rug he loved to take with him during his visits to hospital,(which we are yet to source) we have put together kits that reflect comfort, a little luxury and practicality.  Kits that provide momentary joy to those living with a sarcoma diagnosis.

Woolen beanies, lip balm by moogoo,  skin products crafted for those going through cancer treatment from Scout Cosmetics, exquisite product from Glasshouse Fragrances,  silk eye masks and sleepwear from Peter Alexander Sleepwear, The Tie Dye Project long and short sleeve apparel, silk/ satin pillow covers, are provided in the standard kit .

Kits are tailored to the needs of each patient, and we cater for all ages and gender.

We can only do this because of the exceptional generosity of the partners we have in place for this very important project.  Their participation and willingness to support our work has enabled this programme to expand exponentially over the past five years.

Suffice to say, this would not be possible without their support.

A life that once was, the love that always will be


22 January, 1999 – 24 August, 2017

The life that once was, and the love that will always be.

Always and forever…

Our family extends our heartfelt thanks to Professor Glenn Marshall AM, talented  artist, and eminent paediatric oncologist at the Children’s Hospital Randwick,  Director of the Kids Cancer Alliance, and Head of Molecular Carcinogenic Program and Translational Research at the CCIS for capturing Cooper as he would wish to be remembered on his 24th birthday.

This magnificent painting which forms part of Prof Marshalls series  “boy to man…” portrays Cooper as an 11 year old captaining the SEJCA representative cricket side, and in the foreground as a 16 year old playing T20 for the Sydney Grammar 1st X1 shortly before his sarcoma diagnosis. (Original photos attached)

A very sad goodbye to Jordan Stockman


It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of yet another very special young man – Jordan Stockman.

Jordan was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing sarcoma days after his 25th birthday in August of 2021, and staged a very courageous and public battle, using his sizeable social media following to raise awareness of sarcoma, despite the great personal adversity he lived daily.  He was determined to use whatever he had at his disposal to move the dial, and to ensure others his age understood the sinister nature of sarcoma in an effort to promote early diagnosis.

When meeting Jordan face to face he was surprisingly different from his social media persona. He was a gently spoken and considered young man, and his notoriety in the fashion world, and on TiK Tok failed to change his grace and humility, and in particular, the undeniable love he had for his family.

Jordan was one of six children to doting parents, Ahuaiti and Darrin Stockman.  You  could walk the earth, and never find a more loving, and more genuinely cohesive family.

In an unimaginable and deeply cruel twist of fate, Jordan lost his beloved mum to pancreatic cancer only eight short weeks ago.

Jordan’s story is a strong reminder of so much.  The fragility of life, the inequity of tragedy, the importance of making each moment count, but most of all, how love and family prevails over all.

We send our love and strength to Darrin, Corey, Jovan, Cullen, Kaelis and little sister Kye-Jana.

Rest in peace Jordan. You will always be one in a million.

If you would like to provide financial assistance to Jordan’s family you can go to link in Bio, or for an offer of practical assistance, please contact Tania Rice-Brading via DM on our socials or email taniarb@crbf.org.au.  Tributes may be left on our social media, which will be collated and sent to the family.

Macquarie Bank supports sarcoma research


There is no better way to see 2022 out, than providing hope for the future to all those living with a sarcoma diagnosis.

We are honoured to announce CRBF was the nominated charity for the annual Macquarie Group Banking and Financial Services (BFS) Trivia Night. This is a staff event organised by volunteers within BFS to support philanthropic causes.

The event commenced with a CRBF sarcoma awareness video containing snippets of the speech Cooper Rice-Brading delivered to 250 guests at the launch of CRBF in March of 2017, using the platform to highlight the insidious nature of the disease, together with the severe lack of awareness in the community, and the dire lack of funding sarcoma receives.

Through the event, Macquarie staff raised over $173,000 for CRBF, a truly remarkable effort which will contribute to sarcoma specific clinical research and patient support in Australia. This will be allocated to two very exciting high level projects to commence in early 2023.

Our thanks cannot be adequately articulated to all of the Macquarie BFS staff who participated and their immense generosity.  This event would not have been possible without the organisational skills of the Macquarie BFS volunteers who organised the event in support of CRBF. Special thanks must go to Cooper’s school friend Mark Yam, together with Avantika Pratap, Georgia and Maddie Waites who worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure the resounding success of the event.

As the sun sets on 2022, we take this opportunity to wish each of our supporters the promise of hope, good health and happiness in 2023.  The work we do for those living with a sarcoma diagnosis would not be possible without your ongoing support and generosity.

Festive Season greetings 2023


May all that is beautiful, meaningful, and brings you joy, be yours this Christmas Day as you celebrate with those closest to your heart.

This year has been one of unimaginable loss but with it, unimaginable gratitude and love. Thank you so much for being there.

As always at this time of the year remembering those who may be facing great personal challenges and immeasurable loss.  You are never alone.

Thanks once again to the CRBF Christmas Bulldog Betty!