Ron Wilson breaks down live on air recalling Cyclone Tracy destruction

When you think of the evening news, chances are the name Ron Wilson springs to mind. The 62-year-old fronted Channel Ten News for 33 years and delivered his fair share of devastating news reports during his career.

On Sunday, Wilson appeared on an episode of Weekend Sunrise where he broke down in tears during a segment about the Salvation Army. The TV favourite got chocked up when recalling how the Salvos helped his family when they lost everything during Cyclone Tracy.

As you’ll recall, 70 people died during one of Australia’s worst natural disasters, while billions of dollars’ worth of damage was caused. For Wilson, his family were caught in the middle of the cyclone when he was just 19 years old.

Speaking to hosts Monique Wright and Basil Zempilas, Ronnie explained that the topic was one that sets his emotions off. Before letting him explain his story, the hosts played footage of the Cyclone and the damage it caused on Christmas Eve all those years ago.

Cyclone Tracey destroyed Ron Wilson’s family home when he was 19.

When his family needed water and food, the Salvos were there.

When Ron and his mother were evacuated to Sydney, again the Salvos were there.

This month is Red Shield Appeal – please give generously. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UodHGaDbJ2

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) May 26, 2018

“It happened when I was like, 19,” Wilson recalled. “It’s really part of your life. It’s during those formative years and you find a lot of your ideals and things you think over the years actually are strongly influenced by such a big impact as that.”

Wilson told Wright and Zempilas how his whole family was affected by the destruction, even sharing a photo of the damage to his childhood home. He began to tear up and said that he still suffers post-traumatic stress disorder all these years later. He said it got worse as he got older.

“It becomes very difficult to talk about,” he said. “There are certain trigger words that as soon as I start talking about it or seeing things, it really has a terrible effect.”

He said the reason for appearing on the show in the first place was because the Salvation Army did so much for his own family. When Wright asked how they specifically helped Wilson and his family, he began to get blubbery. He recalled the Salvos being there for the family as soon as they got out of Darwin with just the clothes on their backs.

Wright actually got out of her seat to comfort Wilson, who could barely get his words out when he tried to explain the Salvos giving his family money every day so they could make phone calls to get jobs. This was, of course, long before the days of the internet and mobile phones.

“While it’s difficult for me, I’m happy to come here and try to do this,” he said between tears. “Because it is so important.”

Wright and Zempilas praised their guest for being brave and appearing on the show – even though he knew it would be difficult.

Viewers watching at home were moved by the segment and offered their support to Wilson on Twitter.

One person wrote: “So moved by this story. Good on Ron for going on Sunrise and talking about his experience. Extremely impressed by how the Weekend Sunrise team supported him”.

Another said: “Ron is brave for going on national TV to promote a charity so close to his heart, you’re a legend Mate”.

A third message read: “Ron…the salvos could not have a better advocate than you! I’m donating now. They do a great job, always have & I think you are wonderful for being real and brave. And Monique…you are sensitive, kind and the ultimate professional”.

What do you think? Do you remember Cyclone Tracy? Were you impacted by it?