When lively radio host Georgia Burt received the gut-wrenching news she had cancer in early 2022, her world turned upside down. But thanks to radiation, surgery and the unwavering support of her longtime partner Hamish Stewart, the broadcaster bounced back and is now happier than ever.
But it’s not only good health that has Georgia smiling. During a walk involving 600 stairs to the summit of Auckland’s Ōmanawanui Track in June, Hamish dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him.
“We reached the top of the trail in the Waitākere Ranges and as we were coming back down, Hamo told me to look at the view and then started saying all this lovely stuff,” says the host of ZM’s Jam Packed Workday.
In his proposal, the sweet rural banker referenced the challenges of 2022, when Georgia was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma, a cancer of the fat that can spread through the blood. Her five weeks of intensive radiotherapy to zap the rare cancerous lump on her thigh were gruelling, but during that time, the couple became even closer.
Of the proposal, Georgia recalls, “I kind of blacked out to what Hamo was saying, but I remember thinking, ‘Hang on a second! This is out of the blue. What’s happening?’ Then he got down on one knee and asked me if I’d be his wife. I hugged him and was like, ‘Oh, my God, yes, yes, yes! Holy heck!'”
Hamish was beside Georgia throughout her cancer ordeal.
The moment came as a surprise for an overjoyed Georgia, 29, who was only days away from heading overseas with Hamish. She thought the proposal might happen during their five-week trip through the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Croatia and France.
“It’s very Hamo to propose when it’s just the two of us, rather than around other people, and at a place we love, doing what we love,” enthuses Georgia, who met her partner at a university bar in Christchurch in 2014. “It was pretty special.”
Their European adventure became a mini engagement celebration for the pair, who were joined by a group of friends, including Georgia’s London-based bestie, who got engaged just four days before the radio star did.
While Georgia and Hamish, 30, are in the early stages of planning their 2025 wedding, the Auckland-based pair have booked a venue in their hometown of Christchurch. Opting for a rustic barn theme and plenty of dancing space, the couple has spent the past few Sundays scouting YouTube to find their ideal band for the day, which they hope will be one big party.
“We first saw our venue a couple of months ago through a virtual tour and it’s exactly what we wanted,” says country music lover Georgia. “We initially wanted to have the wedding at Hamo’s parents’ house, but it worked out that this place has everything we need and more. It’s just gorgeous.”
Although the couple admit they’re opposites, with Hamish more reserved than his outgoing partner, they’ve had no trouble agreeing on wedding ideas.
“I’m cool, calm and collected, while Georgia brings the energy,” grins Hamish, who has been renovating their first home in West Auckland alongside his bride-to-be. “She lights up a room when she walks in and puts a smile on everyone’s faces. We understand how each other operates.”
According to the couple, the key to their lasting relationship is great communication, making each other laugh, having fun together and appreciating one another’s quirks.
“Hamish travels a bit for work, looking at kiwifruit orchards and dairy farms, and if he’s away for a couple of days, I’m like, ‘Aww, I miss him!’ He’s just the best and makes me feel like I can achieve anything.”
Following her 2022 surgery, which left Georgia with a 20cm scar on her thigh, Hamish’s support has lifted her spirits when she needs it.
“Sometimes I look at my scar if I’m wearing shorts and I think it’s the only thing people can see,” Georgia admits. “Hamish is like, ‘Think about how far you have come and imagine what the outcome could’ve been if you didn’t have this scar. The most important thing is you’re healthy.'”
Every few months, Georgia has a follow-up appointment with her surgeon, which includes an MRI on her leg, plus an X-ray on her chest and lungs, to check the cancer hasn’t travelled to her vital organs.
“Everything seems to be good at the moment, so that’s awesome!” she smiles. “I’m back to full strength with my leg, which is one of the best things because I love exercise. It was cool getting back to the gym at my own pace and it’s so exciting seeing the progress I’ve made in just over a year.”
Going forward, Georgia is focusing on the radio job she loves, summer kitchen renovations with Hamish and planning the wedding that has been nine years in the making.
“I’m about to marry into such an awesome family and I can’t wait for our families to be combined,” she enthuses. “Hamo just brings the best out in me, which I really love.”
