Radio icon Ray Hadley shares heartbreaking family health news

Only a few months into his retirement, radio icon Ray Hadley has been hit with devastating family health news.

In a video shared on social media, Hadley revealed that his three-year-old granddaughter, Lola, has been diagnosed with leukaemia.

On January 6, while on the Gold Coast, Hadley received a call from his daughter, Laura. She informed him that Lola, the middle child of Laura and her husband Brad, had become ill. Blood tests confirmed the worst: Lola had leukaemia.

“As people watching this would understand, who’ve been involved with someone in their family with childhood leukaemia, there was a state of shock – a fit and healthy little girl, beautiful little girl, stricken,” he said.

“After the initial shock of the diagnosis, my daughter, Laura, my son in law, Brad, rallied, ably supported by other members of the family.

“The journey we’ve endured for the last seven weeks has been, I guess, in many parts, agonising, and in other parts, enlightening.

“Enlightening because of the courage and bravery shown by my little granddaughter, Lola, despite lumbar punctures on a regular basis, bone marrow biopsies on a regular basis, and that means general aesthetics on a regular basis.

“She’s been on steroids as well as part of the treatment. She’s put on about five or six kilos in the space of five or six weeks.

“But she still is determined. She’s still wonderful. She still smiles.”

Messages of support flooded in from fans and listeners, many offering prayers and positive thoughts for Lola’s recovery.

“Sending positive vibes and prayers to you all. And your 💯 right, until your in the eye of the storm people have no idea. Blessings to you all xx,” one commented.

“So heartbreaking, praying for Lola. I just lost my mother in law to leukaemia, I just can’t imagine what it is like for a child to go through. Stay strong Lola.”

“Positive energy to you and your family. Looks like you have a little fighter granddaughter. I have a 4 year old granddaughter full of energy and wish this for little Lola! Stay strong!” commented another.

“Thinking of you all. Stay strong little Lola.”

The devastating news comes after Hadley announced last year that he was hanging up his mic at the end of  2024, his final broadcast was on December 13.

While announcing his retirement, Hadley told 2GB listeners that he was calling time on his career as a race caller, rugby league commentator and morning-show host.

“I’ve achieved far more than I ever thought I would,” he said at the time.

“My own four children made many sacrifices for me over the years, allowing me to realise my ambitions, and I want to spend more time with them and my seven grandchildren.”

“Sophie has been the most supporting, calming, loving and amazing wife and she deserves a break too.

“It’s been a hell of a ride, from a young bloke wanting to call the races, to being the old bloke sitting in this studio for so long.

“But the time has come for someone else to do the job.

“Back in September, I turned 70 and started to think how long have I got left on this Earth, and do I want to keep getting up at 3.30 in the morning.

“At social events, I’m always the first out the door. I don’t want to be the first out the door anymore.”