Living The Wright Way

As she embraces the start of summer, Renee Wright is reflecting on the year that’s passed, and realises that like never before, her health is a priority

- Cath Bennett

Bright, breezy and quick to laugh, you can count on Renee Wright to add a shot of positivity to any situation. Even when the effervescent weather forecaster is warning the nation of dark clouds and storms, the warmth of her delivery is so evocative of sunshine and rainbows, it’s hard to watch and feel anything but reassured and upbeat.

But behind the bubbly enthusiasm is a person who is more reflective than her Hollywood smile might have you assume – and as the year draws to a close, she has been thinking about mortality. Don’t panic, the popular TV presenter is not about to reveal she’s gravely ill. However, a combination of factors, the inevitable ageing process as well as the loss of two family members and a close friend, have given her a heightened appreciation of the frailty of existence.

And it’s made the 38-year-old determined to focus on her own health and wellbeing like never before.

“The most important thing is, I want to be around for my children,” says Renee, referring to Leo, seven, Giselle, six, and three-year-old Arabella. “I want to see them thrive, grow and develop.”

There’s no doubt the recent anniversary of the death of fellow broadcaster and father-of-two Greg Boyed has been pivotal in shaping Renee’s current attitude. It’s been a year since he took his own life, a tragedy she never saw coming; “I knew he was struggling with things, but I didn’t think he’d do that.”

His absence still affects her.

“It’s been massive because he was such a dear friend,” she says, her voice catching as she recalls meeting him for breakfast just days before his death.