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The Project’s Georgie Tunney was overcome with emotion on Thursday as he discussed the heartbreaking story of a Sydney family.
A segment aired featuring Rachel and Ryan Waters, a Western Sydney couple who had decorated their home with a dazzling array of Christmas lights and festive decorations.
The initially upbeat festive segment quickly took a turn when the reason behind the couple’s decision to brighten up their community was revealed.
“The origins of this exhibition go back to their firstborn Sophia Claire,” Georgie revealed in a voiceover.
The little girl was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause heart defects, shortly after birth.
Sophia had two open heart surgeries when she was just two weeks old, and two more surgeries followed.
The Project’s Georgie Tunney was overcome with emotion on Thursday as he discussed the heartbreaking story of a Sydney family. Pictured
The latter, replacing an artificial valve in her heart, proved fatal, and tragically Sophie died at just three years old.
“Just going through life without her is something we still can’t imagine,” Rachel said.
“It’s something no one should ever have to experience.”
Sophia also left behind sister Paisley.
Speaking to the camera, Paisley revealed how much she misses her little sister.
“When I die, I will be very happy because I will be with Sophia,” she said heartbreakingly.
In honor of Sophie’s memory, Rachel and Ryan install the Christmas lights every year to raise money for the charities Heart Kids and the 22q Foundation to help children affected by congenital heart defects.
Returning to the studio, the entire panel – Georgie, Jessie Stephens, Max Rushden and Sam Taunton were all visibly moved by the story.
“Being able to channel your sadness in a way that’s actually meant to bring joy, when in reality you’re in such a perfect position to scream at the world and say, what is joy? How dare you have it and I can’t,” Tunny commented as he followed the clip.
A segment aired featuring Rachel and Ryan Waters, a Western Sydney couple who had decorated their home with Christmas lights to raise money for children with congenital heart defects
Tragically, the couple lost their daughter Sophie when she was just three years old
After the segment, Georgie broke down in tears and had to be comforted by co-host Max Rushden, who extended a gentle arm on his shoulder
“The power of the human mind is insane, isn’t it? To be able to continue. It’s too much,” Rushden added.
The emotion of the moment proved too much for Georgie, whose voice began to shake.
“Rachel and Ryan, you are wonderful people,” she said.
Georgie then burst into tears and had to be comforted by Max, who extended a gentle arm on his shoulder.
Georgie first joined the project in March 2022, alongside Chrissie Swan, after they were announced as replacements for Carrie Bickmore.
In August that year, Georgie was appointed a permanent member of The Project.
Off camera, Georgie is in a relationship with former Australian Idol star Rob Mills.
The couple got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2021.