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Red Symons breaks family silence

For 14 years Red Symons has sought to keep a private story from the eyes of the media. Now his family will share their tale with Australian Story.

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Samuel Symons, the 18 year old son of performer Red Symons, will feature in an upcoming episode of Australian Story, that details how at the age of four he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour and not expected to live.

The diagnosis is one that Red Symons struggled to keep out of the eyes of the media for years.

Now after turning 18, Sam’s story could act as an inspiration to others.

After their son came home from kindergarten with a headache, Red Symons and wife Ellie would learn what lay before them as a family. Radiation therapy at such a young age could have stunted Sam’s growth and mental capacity. But they were told if they did nothing, he would almost certainly die.

Years later, Samuel has celebrated his 18th birthday and passed Year 12 exams.

“I think after being so close to death that I could give it a little peck it on the cheek, even then I don’t tend to think about it because I was too busy trying to live. I never have thought about death and never will,” Sam said.

Red Symons, who has had a long career in music, television and radio, says his son is now 18 and it is his story to tell.

“I did feel that he might well be misrepresented and treated in a rather tabloid way,” he says. “If you’re going to tell this story, it should be told properly. There was no good could come of him being poor little celebrity weepy boy.”

The episode will air at 8pm Monday February 8 on ABC1.

16 Responses

  1. Had to write to both yourself and especially your wife. Both my children (not twins) were diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of 4 and given very little chance of survival. They are now 39 and 36, have great jobs, one working at Monash University, the other a qualified carpenter/joiner.
    Dear Elly, every thing you said, I could relate to. As a mum, I have often said I wish I could swap places with them as it breaks ones heart seeing what they have to endure however from seeing Samual, I feel you, like myself have in some way been blessed, as we both have beautiful, loving “children” with the kindest of hearts.

  3. Recently our daughter was operated on at the royal children’s hospital, there were many young children there with brain tumors like samuel’s. Thankyou Samuel for sharing your inspiring story as this will give hope to many families. Red and Elly, you truly have a wonderful family and I will keep you in my prayers every day. God bless you and your family Samuel.

  4. A wonderful family supporting each other and loving each other.

    Dave P get a life. This is an “Australian story” about an Australian family getting through some very tough times. Why would it have to be “a piece of serious journalism”? Not eveything has to be judged and examined. This is not about journalism it is telling the story of a young mans life and his courage to hold on to that life.

    I am sure the Symons family has thebest wishes and prayers of nearly all who saw this program. Good luck.

  5. it was interesting to see the story tonight. know red is no longer a w*nker
    the mother is a very special lady. and i hope samual gets to play cricket

  6. The segment showing Red Symons dancing in front of his laughing baby boy is one of the best bits of television I’ve ever seen. Fabulous! I’d love to see it again.

  7. Thank you so much for sharing your story. My thoughts were for all of your family for all the hard and sad times you have all been through. Being a mother of 4 myself it must be a hard thing to have to go through.. But at the end of the show I was filled with so much pride for you and your family and hey I dont even know you. The love and the positivity you showed is such a wonderfull thing for any family to have. Thanks again…Judy

    Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

  8. I watched Samuel’s story and I cried, not only for the fact that he had cancer but for the fact that he and his family had the courage to go on his life and prove the Doctors wrong.

    I thought Elle was absolutely marvellous and Red ( in his own way was too), I felt his lay back attitude was his way of coping. Cancer affects the whole family in different way and they all cope differently.

    I work in a school office and I know a lot what the students go through with their VCE and with an illness it is doubly hard. I listen to Red driving to work every morning , but driving during SWAT VAC found Red was not there and I felt there was something wrong (I now know he was there for Samuel).

    I now know what my that feeling was, I have feelings about things.

    All the best to Samuel Symon and the Symon’s family.

    Val Skipworth

  9. I have been crying for the last 30 minutes watching Samuel’s story. What a boy, what a family.
    We lost our little granddaughter, Tessa, 13 months ago. She had been diagnosed with Leukemia when she was11 months old. She had treatment and came through all that and just when we thought she was coming home she went into a coma. She ended up on Life support and then her parents (our daughter and her husband) had to make the decision to turn it off. So we lost her when she was 19 months old.
    The medical profession can only say that her brain was shrinking caused by what we and they don’t know.
    My wish is that instead of all the research into what causes cancer is that they research a cure for this insidious thing.
    Well done Samuel, what a great young man you are, and also what a great family you have!!! Eileen Moar

  10. Well done Samuel. You certainly have not let this get in your way. My son played basketball against you many years ago and you cetainly did not hestitate to play your best. All the best for a brilliant future

  12. You’re right, Dave, it isn’t journalism at all. The subjects are never questioned about their opinions and choices – at least not by the producers. But that is also the beauty of the show when people hang themselves out to dry.
    But subjects such as this one are when the show really shines.

  13. I always thought Red was a very decent person, in spite of his on screen persona, but I have a whole new level of respect for him now.

    In an age where celebrities sell their dramas to the highest bidder (usually a gossip magazine) it is refreshing to see one who didn’t use their family to make a quick buck.

  14. Australian Story does make a couple of gems a year. However, it certainly isn’t a piece of serious journalism. Rather, it is a place for people to tell “their” story, and apply whatever spin they want.

    Sam Symons has a terrific story to tell. But many others (politicians, ex criminals, quasi celebrities) have a story to sell. Its very lucky to have a time slot in between 7.30 Report and Four Corners, which elevates its perceived credibility.

  16. Although it is now in its 14th season, Australian Story remains fresh and shines an important light on Australian’s from all walks of life!! Congratulation to Samuel and his family for telling this story!!

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