Tv Anchor Dating Tsunami Widow

Sun Herald

Sunday April 16, 2006

By SAMANTHA LANE

TRISHA Broadbridge, the widow of tsunami victim Troy Broadbridge, has started a romance with Channel Ten Sports Tonight presenter Ryan Phelan.

Ms Broadbridge, 24, last night confirmed the relationship, saying: "Yes, we're more than friends.

"We want to be honest about it, but I want people to respect that it's sensitive and I just hope people would be happy that I'm happy."

The 2006 Young Australian of the Year met Phelan at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this month after they competed in the celebrity race.

Phelan, 30, said: "She's a great girl who has been through a very tough time. We have enjoyed each other's company over the past few weeks and we will see how it goes from here."

Speaking from Sydney, where Ms Broadbridge is spending time with Phelan, a divorced father-of-two, she said: "Any sort of happiness that has come my way I've grabbed onto."

AFL player Troy Broadbridge died in the 2004 Asian tsunami.