Looking back on December 2002, Chris Reason recalls it was one of the worst times in his life as the award-winning 7News journalist battled metastasised cancer.
“The news was not looking great and life felt pretty bleak, Chris, 60, tells Woman’s Day.
“The doctors said my chances of survival were 50-50.”
But there was one bright moment that brought a smile to Chris’ face – having a baby named in his honour.
The Walkley Award-winner had been given the nickname “Rex” early on in his career when he worked at a Brisbane newspaper.
It was during that time he met Greg Quail, who would go on to become an award-winning TV producer, and the pair became good friends.
When Chris was at home, dealing with cancer, Greg and his wife Lizzie paid their old mate a visit with their new baby boy and made an announcement.
“He passed him over to me for a bit of a cuddle and said, ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve named him Rex Quail,’” remembers Chris.
“I nearly fell out of my chair. I was moved to tears.”
Now, more than two decades later, that baby is 23 years old and has followed in Chris and his dad’s footsteps!
Not only that but he now works alongside his namesake at 7News Sydney.
“It’s very surreal being able to call him a colleague,” news reporter Rex says of his mentor and longtime family friend.
OVERCOMING HORRORS
As well as a name, Chris has also offered Rex invaluable career advice along the way.
“A 10-minute chat with Reaso is better than a semester of a journalism degree,” jokes Rex.
And the pair have shared significant professional moments too.
Chris and Rex were among the first reporters on the ground to cover the Bondi Beach terror attack last December, pictured below.
As the shocking sound of gunfire began ringing across the iconic beach, Rex had arrived at a nearby restaurant to enjoy a family dinner.
He immediately left to begin reporting on the situation via his phone to the rolling news coverage. Chris wasn’t far behind, arriving soon after.
“I struggled that night like I’ve never struggled before,” Chris admits.
“I’ve seen thousands of victims of tsunamis, earthquakes and war – but to see it in Bondi really jolted me.”
Similarly, Rex also struggled to overcome the horrors that unfolded that night.
“It was hard to sleep for a while,” he says. “It’s not something you’re prepared to witness.”
For that extensive coverage, the 7News team has received a TV WEEK Logie nomination and the pair will walk the red carpet together this week.
Chris is quick to give credit to everyone working behind the scenes to bring viewers the news alongside him.
As for Rex, he’s glad to be a small cog in that production.
“Proud is an understatement,” he says.
