Maryanne is the wife of Gavin Larkin (OAM), founder of R U OK?
Gavin and Maryanne were married one year when Gavin’s father, Barry Larkin, took his own life. This shattering experience inspired Gavin to start R U OK?, an organisation committed to promoting connection to prevent suicide.
In 2010 Gavin and their eldest son Gus (aged 11), were both diagnosed with cancer in the space of one month. The family went on to undergo months of treatments and surgeries whilst Gavin continued his work on R U OK?. In 2011 Gavin lost his battle with non-hodgkin’s lymphoma. Two years later Gus succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 15. Maryanne had cared for and nursed them lovingly though their illnesses.
Along with her daughter, Josie (17yrs), and son Van (12yrs), Maryanne continues to support Gavin’s vision of reducing Australia’s suicide rates. She is incredibly proud of the legacy Gavin has left her and their children. Maryanne is also a passionate supporter of brain cancer research and would like to envisage a world where no child has to go through what her son, Gus, endured.