In one of the most poignant moments ever witnessed at rugby league's prestigious Dally M Awards, the wife of former NRL star Kevin Proctor displayed incredible strength while honouring their late son's memory.
Jade Proctor, fighting back visible emotion, took to the stage during Wednesday night's ceremony to accept the Community Award on behalf of her husband, but it was her heartfelt words about their son that left the audience deeply moved.
A Mother's Courageous Tribute
"This award means a lot, but what means more is keeping our son's memory alive," Jade expressed, her voice trembling with emotion. "We lost our beautiful boy earlier this year, and not a day goes by where we don't think about him."
The Proctor family's world was shattered when their 20-year-old son tragically passed away, a loss that has profoundly impacted both the rugby league community and beyond.
Turning Grief Into Purpose
Despite their unimaginable loss, the Proctors have demonstrated remarkable resilience, channelling their grief into positive community work. Kevin Proctor's dedication to mental health awareness and youth support programs earned him the prestigious Community Award, though his wife made it clear the recognition was bittersweet.
"Kevin has worked tirelessly to make a difference in young people's lives, especially since our loss," Jade shared with the captivated audience. "If we can prevent one other family from experiencing this pain, then everything we're doing is worth it."
A Community United in Support
The emotional moment served as a powerful reminder of the human stories behind sporting achievements. As Jade Proctor left the stage to a standing ovation, the entire rugby league community showed their unified support for a family navigating the most challenging of circumstances.
The Proctors' courage in speaking openly about their loss during what should have been a celebratory evening has sparked important conversations about mental health support within sporting communities and beyond.
