Blanche d'Alpuget dies aged 82

0:00Good afternoon. The Prime Minister has described her as a much-loved Australian blanched Alpujay, a claimed author and widow of Bob Hawke has died aged 82. Her love story with the former PM remains one of the most talked about in Australian politics. Blanched Alpujay and Bob Hawke, a love story lived largely in the public eye. But before Blanch became part of one of Australia's most famous political couples, she made a name of her own. Born in Sydney in 1944, an award-winning author, works included monkeys in the dark, the lion's torment and turtle beach later adapted for the big screen. But this book would change her life. Her biography of Bob Hawke published in 1982 before he became Prime Minister. Hawke was still married to his first wife Hazel and for years, rumours persisted Blanch and Bob were having an affair.

1:00Do you think it's been put out by his enemies? No, I think people made it up. Just make it up. Years later, they reunited. In 1995, they married a simple ceremony in Sydney. Did I cry? I had a couple of tears in my eyes. It was fun. It was very nice. No, well, I guess I was nervous before I had. But one sweet started walking in together. I think. I want to go to the old one. She would tell their story herself in the deeply personal on-longing. I was in a light plane crash and he thought I died. When anybody comes face to face with death, it really made some reassess. She remained firmly by Hawke's side, still campaigning together decades later. Until Hawke's death, in 2019. From the grief of loss to the celebration of a life triumphantly well-lived.

2:01APPLAUSE A year later, Blanch was fighting her own battle, breast cancer, months of chemotherapy and major surgery. I didn't think I was going to die during any of it. I knew I was going to survive. Blanch had been in hospital for the past few weeks, battling chronic, obstructive, pulmonary disease, a very serious lung condition that makes it hard to breathe, as well, suffering complications from influenza. Days before she died, Blanch was campaigning for others, fighting for a new treatment for that lung disease to be listed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme. The Federal Health Minister made the decision to list it last week. Her advocacy will help tens of thousands of sick Australians. The Prime Minister leading tributes this afternoon. Blanched our page A, lived a very full life. She was so full of joy and it was always a splendid privilege to be in her company.

3:02Our hearts right now are with her family and all who loved this much loved Australian. Her final words, a message to all. A highest calling and greatest achievement is love, the rule of life. Love one another. She was 82 years old. Jennifer Beshwati, 7 News.