Ambassadors

Apollo is a man of many talents. He is a celebrity magician and music artist who has made an explosive impact on the global entertainment scene. He is also a professional wrestler and Muay Thai fighter.

Since hearing about the Children’s Tumour Foundation and forming deep connections with our NF community, Apollo has been an enthusiastic and generous ambassador who has consistently worked to help to raise awareness about Neurofibromatosis. He has represented the CTF on national television and is now our well deserving National Ambassador!  

"Cupid’s Undie run is an absolutely amazing event and I’m so excited to be part of it, it’s such an awesome fun way to help raise much needed funds for an amazing cause close to my heart."

@apollojacksonofficial

Located in Sydney, Amoss is a well-respected Firefighter for NSW Fire and Rescue. You may recognise him from his feature in their 2017 Firefighter Calendar! Amoss is not only an inspiring hero in our everyday lives, but he is motivated by the bravery of our NF Heroes. Amoss holds a strong presence at our Cupid’s Undie Run event; diving headfirst into the fun games and activities we have planned and getting to know everyone who comes along. If you see Amoss at Cupid’s, don’t be afraid to say hello or take a photo, he’s got big muscles and an even bigger heart!

   @amossmck

The program, which has aired since 2006, follows the daily lives and routines of the Waverley Council professional Lifeguards who patrol Bondi Beach. Bondi Rescue has now been shown in over 190 countries, making Reidy and his fellow lifeguards household names. A supporter of various charities, Reidy is passionate about the work of the Children’s Tumour Foundation, Childfund and Dementia Australia, all of which he is an Ambassador for and donates much of his time to.

Reidy is our longest Cupid’s Undie Run Ambassador, showing his loyal support and strong involvement in helping us Conquer NF.

      @reidy__

The freestyle expert hit his peak to win a gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. He also won a gold and bronze medal as a member of the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34 Points and men’s 4x100m medley 34 Points relay teams.

Two decades have now passed since Brenden lost his right leg to chicken pox in 1999. In that time, he has competed at three Paralympic Games and won six Paralympic medals. He is an eight-time world champion, three-time Commonwealth Games medallist, and the reigning world record holder in the men’s 400m freestyle S9, men’s 800m freestyle S9 and men’s 1500m freestyle S9.

Brenden will be aiming to add to his impressive record next month at the 2019 World Para-swimming Championships in London, England before he turns his attention to next year’s Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

@brendenhall93

Cameron, an ex-pro-cricketer has scored over 1,000 runs in First and Second XI cricket. He’s led a fantastic career playing cricket in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Merchant is now the stand-in first grade captain of Manly Warringah District Cricket Club in Sydney Grade Cricket.

Cameron’s support for the Children’s Tumour Foundation came naturally after he formed a special bond with one of our beautiful NF Heroes Libby. Meeting by chance, the two grew close due to their mutual love for Taylor Swift. Cam loves helping at our NF Family camps and has even managed to get Jules to play beach cricket! 

Cam’s genuine passion and immediate attachment to the CTF is why we are so excited to have him on board as one of our Ambassadors.

      @cammerchant

Dan is a supportive and ongoing Ambassador for Cupid’s Undie Run Australia, participating in our run over a number of years, availing himself to photoshoots, alongside fellow Ambassadors, to help promote the run and cause. 

Recently launching his new wellness program, Dan is passionate about helping others on their health journey, as well as committed to making a difference in the lives of those suffering with Neurofibromatosis (NF). 

   @dan_dc_conn

Whilst, Married At First Sight sadly did not result in love for Dan, it did give him a public platform that he is passionate about using to help those in need. After learning about Neurofibromatosis and how the condition impacts families, Dan is determined to use his position to make a real difference and to help conquer NF! 

Dan's genuine motivation and commitment to help raise awareness for the CTF is why we are so excited to have him on board as one of our Ambassadors. According to Dan, "Cupid's Undie Run is a really fun event with a powerful message- Celebrate Difference. I think we can all afford to be more empathetic, understanding and accepting of one another. I am excited for Cupid's Undie Run and hope to help the CTF reach their fundraising goal of $500,000, as I know how much this would mean to the NF community". 

Dan will be at our Brisbane Cupid’s Undie Run on March 22nd, 2020 and will be available for meet and greets! 

@danwebbs

She started with the Nine Network in 2009 – first as a producer then as a journalist and presenter, working in the Network’s Sydney and Brisbane newsrooms. On the road as a reporter, she has covered a range of stories -from crime scenes to court cases, natural disasters, elections and presidential and royal tours. She’s also hosted the network’s national rolling coverage on major breaking news stories including Sydney’s Lindt Café Siege.

Davina is married to Mark – a Blackhawk helicopter aircrewman with the Australian Army. Their daughter Rose was born in 2016. Davina has formed a special bond with a number of our NF Heroes and is especially saddened by the fact that many of them suffer bullying and find making making friends difficult. As a passionate advocate for mental health, she is committed to helping raise our awareness and has been supporting the Children’s Tumour Foundation for over many years.

      @davinasmith9

Dolly has proven herself to be one of the country’s finest comedy cabaret talents and became an Australian citizen in 2014.

Dolly regularly appears on ABC News Breakfast with Virginia Trioli & Michael Rowland, but over the last decade has been invited to lend her face and name to raise public awareness around major Australian campaigns and in support of many causes, including Movember (as a Mo Sista Ambassador) and hosting several events and conferences as part of AIDS 2014 – the 20th International AIDS Conference.

She has also worked with a range of other Victorian LGBTI community organisations over the last decade, including the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus, Melbourne Rainbow Band and Pride March Victoria. In 2016 and 2017 Dolly proudly toured regional Victoria with Gender and Sexuality Commissioner, Ro Allen for the Rural Regional Roadshow.

   @therealdollydiamond

Edyn attended the 2019 Cupid's Undie Run with her partner and National Ambassador, Apollo Jackson and was able to meet so many beautiful people. Hearing their stories and learning about what it means to live with NF motivated her to get more involved and do what she could to help. 

"Before becoming an ambassador for the CTF, I had never heard of NF and that is something I would love to help change by raising awareness and getting these families much needed help". 

      @edyndenise

In 2018 he fulfilled a life-long dream and released his debut album Belonging, which debuted at #2 on the iTunes Country album chart. Later that year Kevin Sullivan was a finalist for Single of the Year for his song ‘Outback Australia’ and Male Vocalist of the Year at the Southern Star Independent Awards at Mildura. He has played music and performed all his life – whether at Gympie or events like the iconic Birdsville Races. 2019 has seen him performing at a number of venues and festivals including the Big Country Festival in Berry NSW alongside Lee Kernaghan, The McClymonts, Travis Collins and The Wolfe Brothers. Kevin also played a sold-out concert with the legendary Bill Chambers on the South Coast and is a regular at the Kiama Loves Country Festival. Additionally, he has also played at this year’s Murrumbidgee, Ballina and Mildura Country Music Festivals as well as supporting Amber Lawrence on her Spark Tour. 

Kevin will be performing at the 2020 Tamworth Country Music Festival with a number of highlights including:

• Country Turns Pink, West Tamworth Leagues Main Auditorium in aid of The McGrath Foundation 
• Pure Country Spectacular, Capitol Theatre Tamworth in aid of RUO'K
• Bill Chambers Sessions, The Pub, (Including performing the duet co-written with Bill Chambers)
• The Welders Dog Hotel
• Toyota Fanzone
• The Square Man Inn

He will release his sophomore album in 2020 which was recorded in Nashville TN and Australia.

"Kevin is very passionate about giving back to his local community and charities. He became aware of Neurofibromatosis 18 months ago when he met Julia and her daughter Jessica, who both have this genetic condition. Their sheer determination and story inspired him to become an ambassador for Cupid's Undie Run. "What's not to love! It aligns all of the brands I love, in a fun community event which raises vital awareness and funds for the Children's Tumour Foundation to help find a cure to this devastating disease affecting so many families.I feel very privileged to be a part of it." 

   @kevinsullivan

"In 2016 I was a contestant on Survivor – It was the hardest, most amazing experience of my life. I came 4th and when I returned home, I went from being a normal Gold Coast girl, to having people recognise me from TV and I knew that I wanted to use this platform to make a positive difference in my life and in others.

Being an Ambassador for The Cupid’s Undie Run isn’t only about raising money and awareness, for me, it is also about connecting with those who have NF and their families. Being a Cupid’s Undie Run Ambassador has changed my life and inspired me to be a better person. I have met some of the most amazing people and feel honoured to be given the opportunity to connect with these families through this charity. The CTF is unlike any other charity I know of, it is small but it is full of the most passionate people, who dedicate their lives to conquer NF and funding a cure or a treatment! I have met so many inspirational kids, men, women, parents and families that live with NF and am always in awe at their strength and find that they have such a positive outlook on life. The NF community is like a family and there is so much hope and love within it, that I am so glad to be a part of it.

I am not just an Ambassador for the Cupid’s Undie Run, but I am now a friend to many and feel connected on a deeper, personal level with this cause. I can’t wait to continue to raise awareness, and connect with more people to help grow this charity, so that those living with NF can have a better and happier life- like they deserve. I really believe if we come together, we can conquer NF!"

   @felicityegginton

He’s been a judge on Australian “Dancing with the Stars”, choreographed the hit Disneyland Parade “Soundsational”, and was the choreographical inspiration behind the water dance for the night time spectacular “World of Colour” at Disney’s Californian Adventure.

His international music theatre career spans from “Billy Elliott” on Broadway to playing “Tony” in “Movin’ Out” on London’s West End, as well as starring as Zach in “A Chorus Line” in Australia. Other musicals include “Dirty Dancing”, “Guys and Dolls” (UK) and “Tivoli” where he won the Australian Dance Award for “Most Outstanding Performance in a Musical”. Josh was the star of his own show in the USA called “Oh My Josh” on Freeform and Hulu. 

Currently Josh has flipped careers and is now a Real Estate Agent selling houses on the Central Coast NSW for The Property Market and is getting quite a reputation for his “sold dance”.

Josh was our amazing MC at the Cupid’s Undie Run event in Sydney 2019, successfully keeping the crowd excited all day. His support for the Children’s Tumour Foundation grew further when he attended one of our Family Camps and formed connections with our NF community. We’re so excited to have Josh’s enthusiasm and genuine interest as we conquer NF!

      @joshuajhorner

Josh was pick number two in the 2015 AFL draft and spent the first two years of his AFL career with the Brisbane Lions where he played 27 games, kicked 25 goals, and had a total of 238 disposals. Schache is known for his athleticism and goal kicking.  

Josh has been an Ambassador for the Cupid’s Undie Run in the last few years and has consistently shown his support for the Children’s Tumour Foundation and our NF Heroes. We are lucky to have him on board and can’t wait to watch him grow in his AFL career. Go the Bulldogs! 

   @josh_schache

Josh Langley went from failing high school (twice) and being unemployed to becoming an award-winning radio copywriter and award-winning author. His quirky and inspirational books have inspired thousands of people of all ages around the world and helped them to see life from an entirely new perspective. Josh’s second children’s book, ‘It’s Ok to Feel the Way You Do’ won the 2018 Australian Book Industry Awards Small Publisher’s Children’s Book of the Year. 

Josh’s message that it’s okay to be different is what makes him a perfect Ambassador for the Cupid’s Undie Run, where we run to #celebratedifference.

Discover more at www.joshlangley.com.au

Jules’ support for the Children’s Tumour Foundation came naturally after her "husband" and co-Cupid’s Ambassador, Cameron Merchant, formed a special bond with one of our beautiful NF Heroes, Libby. After attending the Cupid’s Undie Run in 2019, and then joining us on one of our NF Family Camps, Jules’ connection to the CTF and NF community has grown, making her a perfect Ambassador and inspiration for our NF heroes.  

   @julesrobinson82

After completing a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine at Endeavour College of Natural Health, Justyna devoted herself to educating others about the true vitality that comes from a careful balance of real food, the right mindset and a healthy dose of movement. She is a popular speaker on health and nutrition, providing presentations and workshops for primary schools and city councils across Melbourne.

Justyna’s nutrition expertise has featured in the media, with appearances on Channel 10 News and contributions to nutritional stories in Nourish Magazine and Australian Natural Health Magazine, as well as Herald Sun, Daily Life, Cairns Post, MamaMag and various others. “What gets me excited in my work as a nutritionist is the empowerment people feel when given the tools to build the health and vitality they desire.”

Outside of her work, Justyna is an avid fitness lover and Black Belt martial arts expert with a special interest in helping families create a healthy food culture at home.  Justyna educates parents, teachers and children about the importance of proper nourishment for growth, development, mental performance and wellbeing and so was drawn to the Ambassador role for the Children’s Tumour Foundation. She has been amazing in not only challenging herself for fundraising initiatives, but also consistently supporting our NF community.  

   @jkhealth

"I feel extremely privileged to be an elite athlete and I’ve dedicated most of my life to my sport and to achieving at the highest possible level. Most of the setbacks I’ve encountered have been related to my sport and it was never easy to overcome them, but I always kept fighting and pushing forward no matter what. However, I didn’t know what it was really like to struggle and face the impossible task of moving forward each day until I lost my younger sister a few years ago. 

Living without my sister feels unbearable and it’s the hardest thing my family and I have ever had to go through. I felt numb for so long and couldn’t see any way that I would be able to continue living without her. My family is extremely close, so losing Kirsten had a huge impact on us. Whenever I think about Kirsten it makes me happy, but it’s always followed by the agonising thought of knowing she’s not here anymore. It hurts and it will never go away, but I knew that I had to be strong for my family and find a way to not only keep going in life, but to make it count and live my life to the fullest for Kirsten. 

After taking time away from everything to be with my family, I decided to return to diving. I knew I needed something in my life to distract me from my grief and something to work towards that I could put everything into. Going back to diving gave me time with people that love and support me, a chance to not only get back to my peak, but to also improve and the chance to qualify for my 3rd Olympic Games. The past 2 years have been the most difficult of my life though and I’ve had to work hard with my psychologist to stay positive and keep going in life. I’ve also learnt to appreciate life more and although there will always be obstacles to overcome, there are also plenty of positive things to be grateful for too. 

When I met the CEO of the Children’s Tumour Foundation, I learnt about Neurofibromatosis (NF) for the first time. Although I’d never heard about this condition and don’t know anyone who has it, I wanted to help because it affects so many people and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for people living with NF and their families. Even though I will never be able to completely understand NF because I’ve never been affected by it, I want to do whatever I can to help. Although my experience is not the same as theirs, I’ve dealt with adversity and have experienced loss and hardship and wouldn’t want anyone else to have to go through that. I’ve also experienced the suffering that my family has gone through the past few years, so I can relate to the impact that NF would have on parents and families. 

I would love to help raise awareness for this condition so that more people, including myself, can better understand what NF is, how it affects people and what we can do to build a brighter future for those affected."

      @melissapaigewu

His size, strength and elite endurance caught the attention of AFL recruiters when he was playing in the U16’s and he made his debut, against Port Adelaide in 2014. In 2017 he elevated his game to another level, playing in all but one senior match, against some of the biggest names in the sport. Nick recently resigned with the Lions through to the end of 2019. His career, game and reputation continue to improve both on and off the field. Nick has won a number of awards, including the Shaun Hart Trademark Player of the Year award in 2017- but according to our Cupid’s Campaign Manager, Rachel Skelton, the most remarkable thing about Nick, is how humble and compassionate he is. 

Nick is proud to be an ambassador for the Children’s Tumour Foundation and Cupid’s Undie Run. He believes the event is “a great way to improve awareness about Neurofibromatosis”. According to Nick, he is “passionate about giving back to the community”, and believes, “people with NF deserve support because no person, no matter what age, deserves to live with a condition that causes them to develop tumours”.  

Nick is excited for Cupid’s 2020 and can’t wait to attend the Brisbane event. 

   @robbbo18

He was first drafted in 2008 to the Western Bulldogs and is now playing for the GWS Giants. Sam’s story is one of resilience and determination. After many surgeries and injuries and then a diagnosis of diabetes type 1,  he has now had his breakthrough in AFL football and is a great role model for those living with a chronic illness. In his most recent season, he had the chance to play in his first AFL Grand Final against Richmond. 

Living with a chronic incurable disease himself, this event is close to Sam’s heart as he understands the importance of raising awareness and funding. 

A relative newcomer to the role of ambassador, having first joined the CTF in 2019, he is very proud to be involved with the run and will be bringing his wife, Elissa, who works in the health industry, along to support this great cause.

      @samuelreid50