Thor artist’s auction at Brisbane shopping centre for little hero in cancer battle

With a stage four cancer diagnosis behind them, and 33 cycles of radiation ahead, nine-year-old Richie Walshe and his family need all the help they can get. A Brisbane artist is stepping up.

Nine-year-old Wakerley boy Richie Walsh was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Picture with Karl, Lisa and Luke Walsh. Pic: Annette Dew

Between chemotherapy rounds and COVID-19 restrictions, Richie Walsh’s family has enough on their plate without worrying about how to pay for his treatment.

The nine-year-old and his family are in the fight of their lives and they’re doing it without a cent of government support.

Dad Karl Walsh said they recently became permanent residents after moving from the UK and had two years before they were eligible for financial assistance.

Since Richie’s diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma in March last year, the bills have piled up.

Richie and Karl Walsh.

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

“My wife Lisa had to step back from her career as a midwife to care for Richie and we’re hoping she won’t have to go back so she can be with him through his treatments,” Mr Walsh said.

Westfield Carindale is hosting a fundraiser for the Walsh family on Saturday with artist Christopher Williams.

The scenic artist who worked on Aquaman, Thor and King Vs Godzilla will be live painting in centre from 9am to 4pm.

Mr Walsh said he would be forever grateful for Mr Williams who also donated 10 paintings for auction.

“I can’t believe this guy. He is amazing,” Mr Walsh said.

“We actually met because his son goes to school with Richie and they are the little stunt doubles with long blonde hair.”

Richie Walsh was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer so rare doctors have put him in a clinical trial to attempt to treat it.

Their school St Joachim‘s Primary School has also donated artwork made with love by Richie’s peers.

Proceeds will go to the family to assist with medical expenses and upcoming radiotherapy.

Mr Walsh said after an “intense” year of chemotherapy, Richie was now facing 33 cycles of radiation.

And COVID-19 had compounded their woes with only one parent allowed into the hospital.

“I can count on my hand the amount of times I’ve been allowed into the hospital,” Mr Walsh said.

“And his siblings went in once when he was first diagnosed.

“It’s been really lonely.”

Sisters Melissa and Layla and brother Luke adore their “little dude” and can’t wait for him to be cancer free.

“That’s all that matters,” Mr Walsh said.

“He has been so strong and brave.”

Raffle tickets can be purchased outside Myer and Mecca Maxima on Saturday and bids can be placed online. 

Richie has so far undergone 40 blood transfusions and Mr Walsh is also asking anyone who can to donate blood or plasma.