Wendy's courage - 'I'M FACING MY BIGGEST FEAR!'

Not one to shy away from a challenge, the broadcaster's taking the plunge

- Fleur Guthrie

In the middle of her almost-empty nest, Wendy Petrie has found her empty “next”. With her two daughters, Addison and Liv, studying overseas on sporting scholarships, the popular broadcaster still has teenage son Zach at home, but life lately has suddenly offered up a lot more freedom.

She’s trying her hand at travel writing, signed up for her first ocean swim in May, and is realising there’s time for her and husband Ross Peebles to enjoy some sweet, child-free dates again.

“When you have three kids and busy jobs, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of everyday life,” says Wendy, 53. “Until one day, you and hubby are looking at each other, going, ‘Wow, the kids don’t need us as much.’”

“A lot of our friends are in the same situation as us and we talk about how you really do have to put in the time to invest in your relationship again, and remember what you both liked doing before you had children.

“Ross and I went out for a bike ride together the other day,” she smiles. “We sent Addie a selfie and she replied, ‘Aww, couples goals!’ It’s corny, but it’s true.

“We've just celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary and have suddenly got more time for that walk or dinner out that we never had time for before because we were too busy running three children to different activities.

“So it’s exciting to not have to plan our lives around sports events and school holidays, and make the most of our relationship again.”

That’s not to say the devoted mum doesn’t miss her talented daughters like crazy, though.