A Current Affair host Allison Langdon has opened up about the profound personal loss of her friend Gavin Larkin, the founder of the suicide prevention initiative R U OK? Day. Speaking on the No Filter podcast, Langdon reflected on Larkin’s vision and the challenges he faced in establishing the now-national movement.
Larkin, who passed away from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011 at age 47, was inspired to launch the initiative following his own father’s death by suicide. Langdon recounted how Larkin approached her in 2009, asking for assistance to bring the project to the Today show. According to Nine, producers initially expressed reservations, fearing the subject matter was too heavy for a morning broadcast, but ultimately agreed after Langdon helped frame the segment around positive social connection and peer support.
The initiative has since evolved into a significant annual event in Australia, encouraging individuals to check in on their friends and colleagues. Langdon noted that her involvement remains deeply personal due to the tragedies that struck the Larkin family, including the death of his 14-year-old son, Gus, to a brain tumour two years after Gavin’s passing. “It teaches you that you never know what’s around the corner,” Langdon said during the interview. “It reminds you to do lots of checking in, of the importance of kindness.”
For those in need, R U OK? provides resources at ruok.org.au. Immediate support is available via Lifeline at 13 11 14.