Ally Langdon breaks down as she opens up about death of best friend Gavin Larkin

A Current Affair host Allison Langdon broke down in tears as she spoke about the death of her friend, R U OK Day? founder Gavin Larkin.

Appearing on the No Filter podcast, Langdon, 47, remembered the moment Larkin told her about his plan to launch the day, which is dedicated to reminding people to connect and check in if someone is struggling.

“Gav, who created R U OK, was one of my husband’s best mates. He was in his 20s when his dad took his own life, and it wasn’t until he had his own kids when he had the thought of, ‘Wow, Dad had all this and it still wasn’t enough,’” Langdon said. 

“He said to me that he wanted to launch R U OK Day? in Bondi Beach and asked if I could get the Today show there.”

She said producers initially worried the topic of suicide was too dark for a morning weather cross, but after working to ensure the narrative was a positive one about having each other’s backs and checking in, it launched in 2009 on Today.

Langdon has remained involved ever since.

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Larkin died from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011 aged 47, two years after starting the suicide prevention initiative.

Another two years later, tragedy struck the family again when Larkin’s 14-year-old son, Gus, died after his battle with a brain tumour.

Langdon was emotional as she spoke about the toll on Larkin’s widow, Maryanne.

“That was the toughest thing for Gav, knowing that she would have to go at it alone. That was brutal,” she said.

The losses also inspired her to remain a part of the annual day.

“It teaches you that you never know what’s around the corner. It teaches you to make the most of every moment, to appreciate the people in your life, to be mindful of the path you take,” she shared.

“It also reminds you to do lots of checking in, of the importance of kindness and just being a good human, a good friend.”

R U OK? Day empowers everyone to connect with the people in their world and lend support when someone is struggling. For resources on how to ask “Are you OK?“, visit ruok.org.au.

If you are struggling or need immediate support, please reach out for help at Lifeline 13 11 14