Ryan Daniels: Chanel 7 sports presenter steps up to be ‘Mr Telethon’, hosting mega charity fundraiser

For Channel 7 Sports presenter Ryan Daniels, his job hosting the mega charity fundraiser Telethon this year feels something like a full-circle moment.

Like many West Aussies, Daniels grew up watching the marathon broadcast on TV and in-person, with his sister who was a keen singer and dancer, often performing in the show.

And when he was a university student in 2007, his first taste of life in TV land was volunteering at the fundraiser.

Telethon, and the massive outpouring of generosity it inspires was, Daniels admits, something he always took for granted growing up.

“Telethon has just always been there. For a lot of West Aussies we think it’s this beautiful thing that we do that no one else really does, but when you’re growing up you don’t realise that,” Daniels said.

“Then you get a bit older and have a couple of kids of your own and you realise how special and unique it is and how lucky we are.”

Throughout his career at Channel 7, Telethon has been a highlight of Daniels’ calendar.

And this year he will be stepping into the role previously held by now State Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas: Mr Telethon.

It means he will be front and centre during the marathon broadcast of the event, showing just how cool he can stay under pressure.

“It’s such a big, beautiful thing and it’s hectic and it’s busy and it’s 26 hours of live TV so everything changes on the run,” Daniels said.

The job also means he will be taking on the significant task of hosting the prestigious Telethon Ball where millions of dollars is raised to support critical services and programs delivered around the State for sick and vulnerable children and their families.

“Those rooms are magical places to be in,” he said of the Telethon Ball. “You walk away feeling really good about the world.

“Because as much as people and businesses — or whatever — may have a lot of money to give, that doesn’t mean they have to do it. Telethon brings out this passion for people to actually do something with the money. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.

“Telethon is wonderful. From kids selling lemonade outside their home for 10c and cupcakes at school or free dress days and that sort if stuff. And it goes right up to businesses doing donations for every single sale they make, and individuals donating millions of dollars and a lot of them don’t want any credit for that - they just want to give.”

But Daniels said the highlight of all the Telethons he’s been involved in over the years is connecting with the Little Telethon Stars.

“Telethon is amazing and it brings everybody in,” Daniels said. “But the kids are at the heart of it.”