Before he was the Golden Bachelor, Australia first met Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden 13 years ago in the most heartbreaking circumstances.

He was a full-time father and carer for the love of his life Audrey.

At 43, Audrey was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given nine months to live.
Australia first met Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden 13 years ago in the most heartbreaking circumstances. (A Current Affair)
“What a cruel irony to give a young mum a beautiful family then take her away from them, especially my young babies,” she said.

Audrey had one wish to get out of the family’s rental and into the security of a home the boys could call their own.

With Sydney’s property market proving impossible, time wasn’t on Audrey’s side.
Bear’s life has been devoted to his three boys since his wife Audrey passed away. (A Current Affair)
That’s when A Current Affair viewers stepped in.

And one of the biggest renovation rescue Australia has seen was still to come.

Within 10 days, the family not only had a new home but the property was decked out as well.

Audrey and Bear could move straight in with the kids and savour what little time they had left together.

“I just went into survival mode,” Bear recalled.

“My life has been pretty much devoted to my boys since my wife passed 14 years ago.

“Now it’s my time, she’d want me to move on.

“The boys are looked after, they’ve grown, she’d be very proud.”