TV and newspapers tend to overuse the phrase “every parent’s nightmare”. On Interview this week, a story that, sadly, really earns that label.
Ralph and Kathy Kelly lost their teenage sons, Thomas and Stuart, in devastating circumstances. In 2012, Thomas was killed in a random one-punch attack in Kings Cross. Three and a half years later, Stuart took his own life. Both boys were 18.
The Kellys were twice hit by lightning. This was not grief. It was grief squared.
As Ralph says to Andrew, “you lose one son to homicide and another to suicide – you couldn’t get two worse cards”.
The Kellys have much to be angry about. And though it’s hard enough to keep their fragile family together under such stresses, they’re working to create something positive from their pain. They’ve written a book about their experiences, Too Soon, Too Late, and launched the “Stay Kind” foundation to make Australia a kinder place.
This interview is powerful, uplifting and raw. You won’t forget it.
Tuesday May 21 at 9.00pm on Seven
