Meet our hosts and celebrity guests!
Our MCs for the evening are sports and entertainment presenter, James Bracey, and international model, Bambi Northwood-Blyth.
Bambi Northwood-Blyth is an international model, T1D advocate, and passionate supporter of Breakthrough T1D.
Born in Melbourne, Bambi grew up with a love for sports, the arts, and fashion. Life changed when she was diagnosed with T1D at age 12, without any family history. Learning to manage T1D taught her resilience, preparation, and how to listen to her body.
Shortly after her diagnosis, Bambi began her modelling career. From a teenager in Melbourne, she rose to international fame, walking for major fashion houses, appearing on over 20 magazine covers, and starring in global campaigns. She has attended New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks, all while managing her T1D with strength and determination.
Bambi’s platform has allowed her to share her T1D journey, raise awareness, and advocate for better understanding and support. She has partnered with organisations like Breakthrough T1D, proudly using her voice to help others living with T1D.
Since her diagnosis, Breakthrough T1D has been a vital part of her journey. She recalls the immediate sense of connection to a community who spoke her new language of blood glucose levels, hypos, insulin ratios, and resilience.
Today, Bambi’s partnership with Breakthrough T1D feels personal and purposeful. She champions their efforts to fund critical research, provide support for families, and advocate for a cure.
“My hope for the future of T1D is a cure—and until then, more accessible technology, better education, and stronger support systems for everyone living with T1D.”
James Bracey
James Bracey is a beloved sports host, TV presenter, and proud dad to Tilly, who lives with T1D. He is also a committed Breakthrough T1D ambassador.
Famous for his work across the Nine Network, James is widely recognised for his coverage of major sports events including the NRL (State of Origin series and Grand Final), Australian Open, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Most recently, he’s also had a number of appearances on TODAY.
Off-screen, James is a dedicated husband and father of two daughters. In 2021, his eldest, Tilly, was just two years old when she was diagnosed with T1D, a life-changing moment for the family. With little prior knowledge of T1D, James and his family quickly learned the complexities of managing the condition.
At the time of Tilly’s diagnosis, Breakthrough T1D offered immediate support through a KIDSAC pack and Rufus Bear, providing comfort in a challenging period. James has been a proud ambassador of the organisation since August 2022, actively involved in initiatives like Night of Champ1ons - an event born from his vision to give back to the T1D community.
He continues to use his public platform to raise awareness of T1D, with strong support from the Nine Network.
Breakthrough T1D holds a special place in James’s heart. He is continually inspired by its mission to fund research, support families, and ultimately find a cure.
James hopes to see major advances toward a cure in Tilly’s lifetime.
“Advances in technology, support from organisations like Breakthrough T1D, our circle of family and friends - and Tilly's incredible bravery - have helped us manage life as a T1D family. But there’s still more work to be done.”
