Scott Ormerod starts bucket list after cancer diagnosis

A Hervey Bay man with only months to live is making the most of his time left, turning his attention to a bucket list which included marrying the love of his life. Read the heartbreaking story:

Scott Ormerod’s dreams include fishing on a “big charter”, travelling and marrying the love of his life, Jen.

Now, his wife wants to help him tick all of these, and more, off his bucket list in the limited time they have left together.

The Hervey Bay man’s family started a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs after the 51-year-old was diagnosed with terminal cancer in September 2021.

The heartbreaking diagnosis was made after fluid was found around Mr Ormerod’s liver when he went for a routine hernia surgery.

Further oncology testing revealed it was stage four terminal bowel cancer that had spread into his stomach.

Mr Ormerod began his chemotherapy journey and was given two years to live.

But further chemo treatment was made impossible after an infection in his gallbladder required surgery a few months ago and he was told he now had less than six months to live.

Jen and Scott Ormerod got married in January 2022. Photo: Contributed.

Mr Ormerod has begun ticking off the wishes on his bucket list, including getting married to the love of his life, Jen, in January.

Jen Ormerod described her husband as a “bloke” who would help anyone.

“Loves his NRL, fishing … he was an interstate truck driver for many years …” Ms Ormerod said.

“He’s always taking his shirt off his back to help anybody.”

The pair moved to Hervey Bay two years ago from Tasmania, mainly to care for Ms Ormerod’s mother who is also unwell.

Ms Ormerod said the family received the devastating news about Scott’s shortened life expectancy two weeks ago.

“It should be something you go through in 20 years, not this early in life,” she said.

Ms Ormerod said her husband went skydiving this year for his 51st birthday and bought himself a 4WD as part of his bucket list.

“Now, it’s just mainly to travel,” she said.

While Ms Ormerod is reluctant to travel far given Scott’s condition, the pair hope to head over to Fraser Island.

Ms Ormerod said her husband would also like to go fishing on a “big charter”.

Scott Ormerod (left) received a shock cancer diagnosis after fluid was found around his liver when he went for a routine hernia surgery in July 2021. Photo: Contributed.

On October 8, the family is planning a fundraiser at the Beach House Hotel where the band Dogwood Crossing will be playing live.

Money raised from the ticket sales, along with a GoFundMe launched by the family, will go towards Ms Ormerod’s ongoing medical costs and bucket list wishes.

“Some people have opened our eyes lately to some clinics and stuff overseas,” Ms Ormerod said.

If the family can raise enough money, she said they might be able to consider an overseas trial.

As for right now, Mrs Ormerod said fundraising would help relieve financial stress, so the family could enjoy the time they have left with Scott.

She said she was also trying to raise awareness that it was “okay to ask for help”, as she was reluctant to start a GoFundMe page in the beginning.

“It just shows how much the community has turned into that little village,” she said.

“It’s been amazing the support we’ve received.”

As of September 6, $1685 had been raised on the family’s GoFundMe.

If you would like to donate, you can visit the GoFundMe via this link.

The family will also be selling tickets from around 5pm on Saturday, October 8, at the Beach House Hotel for Dogwood Crossing.