When Sean O’Hara sang his heart out on the iconic Thomas Bros Wagga Takes 2 stage in memory of his grandfather, he never imagined he would take home the win.
Mr O’Hara decided to take the stage to raise funds for Legacy, a volunteer organisation which supports defence families, after his grandfather was tragically killed at war in New Guinea in 1942.
Just six weeks later, Mr O’Hara’s father was born, leaving the family with little support.
While singing partner Rene Van Delft was a well-seasoned performer at her ninth Wagga Takes 2, it was Mr O’Hara’s first chance to shine for a cause.
“I was completely out of my comfort zone but we were doing it for a great cause,” Mr O’Hara said.
“My family was there watching and to be honest it was pretty emotional, but we got through it.”
Mr O’Hara said his grandmother, who was stuck in Sydney, unfortunately missed out on all the action.
“Grandma actually asked if she could catch it on TV and I had to remind her I wasn’t performing in The Voice,” Mr O’Hara said.
“We are pretty proud of what we have done.”
Mr O’Hara said it was a “national disgrace” that the families of those who have suffered and died at war, receive no assistance.
The pair raised about $118,000 for Legacy.
The Wagga Takes 2 event itself raised more than $400,000 for 12 worthy charities.
Organiser Narelle Potts said it was a fantastic show with a great crowd.
“The lighting and sound was a real highlight of the show,” Mrs Potts said.
“It was such a high standard of audio visual as well as performance and dancing.”
Mrs Potts said contestants were left feeling “elated” after taking to the stage for the final performance on Saturday night.
2017 nightly award winners
Thursday night
Judges choice: Jayme Schneider and Mark Atkinson
Audience choice: Peter Adams and Mel Cotterill
Friday night
Judges choice: Ian Woodland and Shelley McCormack
Audience choice: Sean O'Hara and Rene Van Delft
Saturday night
Judges choice: Peter Adams and Mel Cotterill
Audience choice: Sean O'Hara and Rene Van Delft
