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Denham Hitchcock’s favourite story of 2016

2016 brought with it a string of stories for Denham Hitchcock, from investigating the Zika virus to interviewing Men At Work frontman Colin Hay, but it was the story of James Milliss that Denham looks back on fondly.

Back at the beginning of the year, he spent a few months with the Milliss family.

In March, he told the incredible story of the healing power of the sea, or more accurately, its rolling, crashing waves.

Denham said: “I loved this story. Not just because it involved surfing during work hours but because it was a fascinating mix of science and people.

“James Milliss, an Australian soldier who recently returned from Afghanistan with PTSD, has become a good friend of mine and we still go on regular surf trips.”

James joined the army when he was just 17.
James joined the army when he was just 17.

James says the surf is the only thing that gives him relief from his post-traumatic stress.

He also believes his son’s autism is dramatically relieved when he rides the waves.

James says his son's
James says his son's

Groundbreaking research into how ocean waves change brain waves is enabling doctors to frame natural treatment for mental and behavioural issues.

Denham with the 'brain station'  during a surf session
Denham with the 'brain station' during a surf session

“The experiment we did to prove surfing delivers the same benefits as deep meditation is still being reported in different places around the world”, Denham said.

“Oh and did I mention I surfed with Kelly Slater for two hours?”

Kelly Slater literally came up behind James and left him speechless!
Kelly Slater literally came up behind James and left him speechless!

Eleven time world surfing champion Kelly Slater believes surfing helped him deal with the intense emotional turmoil of a broken family.

The pair headed out for a surf!
The pair headed out for a surf!

Denham took Sunday Night viewers to the frontiers of science and some of the most beautiful breaks in the world, helping a fellow Aussie who suffered serving his country become the happiest surfer in the world.

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