‘Proudest brother’: Samuel Johnson hits $10M cancer fund goal in sister’s honour

Samuel Johnson has reached his incredible goal of raising $10 million for cancer research in honour of his sister Connie, who sadly passed away following a long battle with the disease.

The 41-year-old has been working tirelessly to spread awareness of cancer, openly talking about the effect it had on himself and his family and now, almost two years since his sister’s tragic death, the milestone has been reached. Samuel took to social media on Monday to share the incredible news with a touching message to Connie, explaining he’s the “proudest brother in the world”.

In the post shared on Instagram alongside a photo of himself and Connie, the media personality wrote: “First I promised my sister than I promised all of us. It took seven years. We came good. Thank you. $10M for cancer research banked. I’m the proudest brother in the world right now.”

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Samuel continued by explaining how grateful he is for the support received so far in the development of his Love Your Sister charity, which was created with Connie in 2012 after she dared her younger brother to unicycle around Australia in the face of her terminal diagnosis. “Thanks for showing me how to be,” he added on the post. “You gave me somewhere to belong. F**k I love this village. Today I stand tall.”

The announcement received plenty of attention from friends and fans who left beautiful comments of congratulations and support for Samuel as he celebrates his success. Of those to send their well wishes was The Living Room host Amanda Keller, who praised Samuel for his efforts.

“It’s an extraordinary effort!” she commented “You’re amazing. Congratulations and thank you.” Meanwhile, The Morning Show host Larry Emdur also left a loving message writing: “There was never any doubt you would smash this challenge …. huge congrats you friggin’ legend! World needs more yous [sic].”

Several fans added to the flurry of messages for Samuel, with one person leaving a lengthy comment about how much they love the star and his determination to help those in need. “A bloody huge congratulations – love your passion – love your determination – love you sister and love you Sam!” they wrote. “Thanks for always keeping it real and just being wonderful goofy you! Connie would be beyond proud and all the awareness you’ve brought to this necessary cancer cause … now it’s time for a well earned cheeky tipple young man, with your feet up tonight!”

While a second said: “All the feels Sammy! You are incredible. You and Connie inspired Australia and Australia got behind you, in support of so many people fighting the fight, to kick cancer in the face hole! What an incredible year for you, you beautiful man. Congratulations. Enjoy the celebrations.”

Over the past few years Samuel has gone out of his way to raise money and awareness for cancer, even taking part in Dancing with the Stars earlier this year. The actor and his dance partner Jorja Freeman ended up winning the popular reality program, defeating Courtney Act and Constance Hall to take out the title.

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In addition, he won a $50,000 donation for the Love Your Sister charity.  “If we win, the money would be used to kick cancer in the pie hole like it so thoroughly deserves,” the actor said early on in the final episode. “And anyone who’s interested in my organisation can visit Love Your Sister on their nearest device.”

Samuel and Jorja originally impressed viewers with a tango at the start of the series, before entertaining crowds with cha-chas, jazz performances and even sambas. They once left the audience and host Amanda in tears with one raw performance — which saw him carry and throw his partner around the dance floor before ending with a look of agony on his face.

Asked how he was feeling, Samuel managed to say: “All the feelings. Can you feel it?”Amanda then asked if he felt he’d achieved his goal of summing up his life with his sister, to which an emotional Samuel replied: “I reckon.”