- READ MORE: The Project’s Georgie Tunny and fiancé Robert Mills enjoy a rare outing together as they hold hands during a morning walk in Sydney.
The Project’s Georgie Tunney was overcome with emotion on Thursday as she spoke about a Sydney family’s heartbreaking story.
A segment aired starring Rachel and Ryan Waters, a western Sydney couple who had decked out their home with a dizzying array of Christmas lights and festive decorations.
The initially brilliant 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 exhibit can be traced back to his 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 underwent two open heart surgeries when she was just two weeks old, and two more operations followed.
The Project’s Georgie Tunney was overcome with emotion on Thursday as she spoke about a Sydney family’s heartbreaking story. in the photo
The last one, to replace an artificial valve in her heart, proved fatal and, tragically, Sophie died aged just three.
“Just going through life without her, we still can’t imagine it,” Rachel said.
“It’s something no one should ever have to go through.”
Sophia also left behind her little sister Paisley.
Speaking on camera, Paisley revealed how much she misses her little sister.
“When I die I’m going to be very happy because I’m going to be with Sophia,” he said heartbreakingly.
To honor Sophie’s memory, Rachel and Ryan install the Christmas lights each year to raise money for the Heart Kids charities 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 visibly moved by the story.
‘Being able to channel your pain in a way that is actually meant to bring joy, when in reality you are in a perfect position to shout out to the world and say: What is joy?’ “How dare you have it and I don’t?” Tunny observed after the segment.
A segment aired starring 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 offered a gentle arm on her shoulder.
‘The power of the human spirit is crazy, isn’t it? To be able to move forward. “It’s too much,” Rushden added.
The emotion of the moment proved too much for Georgie, whose voice began to tremble.
“Rachel and Ryan, you are wonderful people,” he said.
Georgie then burst into tears and had to be comforted by Max, who offered a gentle arm on her shoulder.
Georgie first joined the Project in March 2022 along with Chrissie Swan after they were announced as Carrie Bickmore’s replacements.
In August of that year, Georgie was named a permanent member of The Project.
Away from the camera, Georgie is in a relationship with former Australian Idol star Rob Mills.
The couple got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2021.