Brisbane boy Richie Walsh dies of rare cancer

Brisbane Riverfire provided a nine-year-old boy with some final moments of magic at the weekend as his family gathered by his hospital bed to watch the fireworks.

Wakerley boy Richie Walsh, with his mum Lisa, passed away after an 18-month battle with a rare cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. Picture: Annette Dew

Brisbane Riverfire provided a nine-year-old boy with some final moments of magic at the weekend as his family gathered by his hospital bed to watch the fireworks.

A rare form of cancer claimed the life of Richie Walsh in the early hours of Sunday.

The Brisbane boy told his family he didn’t know what was happening to him before they took turns cuddling him in his hospital bed.

Richie Walsh lost his battle with rhabdomyosarcoma on Sunday, September 26.

“I was cuddling Richie for a good long hour and I whispered into his ear,” Richie’s dad Karl said.

“I told him a lot of things but I told him it's time to rest mate you have fought so hard it's time to get that sleep you need and be free of all the pain.

“In the early hours of Sunday morning, 12.55am, Richie got that sleep and became an Angel.

“Forever nine our beautiful boy.”

Karl and Lisa Walsh with sons Luke and Richie. Pic: Annette Dew

Richie was diagnosed in March last year with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer so rare doctors put him in a clinical trial in an attempt to treat it.

They told the family the cancer was already at stage four and Richie had a 30 per cent chance of survival.

But the brave boy who loved the Avengers and playing soccer fought hard for 18 months before he died on September 26.

“He was surrounded by love with the big sleepover he wanted me my wife Lisa and his siblings Melissa, Luke, Layla and Callum,” Mr Walsh said.

He documented his son’s cancer battle with a website where he advocated for more research and detailed the emotional and financial struggles they faced having moved to Australia from the UK.

COVID-19 compounded their woes with only one parent allowed into the hospital at times and family from overseas unable to have one last cuddle.

Richie Joel Walsh was a cheeky, strong little boy.

Mr Walsh told The Courier-Mail they had big plans in Richie’s name and wanted to help other families so they didn’t have to suffer the same heartbreak.

Richie is remembered as a funny and strong “little dude” who was adored by his parents and older siblings.

Tributes have flowed for the fighter from friends, family, strangers and his primary school St Joachim’s at Holland Park.

In an online statement the school said it extended love and prayers to the Walsh family.

“RIP Richie,” the statement said.

“We know that you are now in heaven looking down on us, but you will be greatly missed at St Joachim’s.”

Richie Walsh was a student at St Joachim's Primary School.

A member of the school community posted, “we are all better for knowing you and witnessing your incredible courage.”

Another wrote of their deep sadness for the family who fought so hard.

“So many lessons to be learned from dear cheeky Richie,” they said.