Popular Australian singer Courtney Murphy diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer

An Australian music star and father of three has a tough road ahead of him, with his family announcing a shock cancer diagnosis.

Former Australian Idol contestant and Perth music star Courtney Murphy has been diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer, with his family revealing he is in the “fight of his life”.

Mr Murphy’s siblings Chris and Kieran made the shocking announcement on Monday, launching a GoFundMe appeal for the beloved singer.

“Our beautiful brother Courtney Murphy is in for the fight of his life,” they said.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share Court has been diagnosed with advanced stage bowel cancer. It’s very serious.”

Mr Murphy, a 44-year-old husband and father of three, burst to fame as a contestant on the second season of Australian Idol, where he finished in third place.

Popular singer Courtney Murphy has been diagnosed with an advanced bowel cancer and his family say he is in ‘the fight of his life’. Picture: Facebook

He has performed in Perth for 20 years and also landed a role in the Queen musical We Will Rock You.

But now he is stepping back from the stage to focus on his cancer fight.

“As a self-employed musician, with a wife and three young children, Courtney will not be able to work for the foreseeable future, which leaves his young family fighting much harder than we want them to be,” his brothers said.

“Anyone who knows Courtney knows that his heart is as a big as his voice and we’ve set up this GoFundMe page in the hope that we can ease some of the burden on his young family.

Courtney Murphy burst onto the scene as a contestant on Australian Idol in 2004. Picture: Facebook

“Any funds generated will go directly to Courtney Murphy, his wife Jane and children as they navigate the difficult road ahead.”

In just the first six hours since it was created, the GoFundMe appeal has raised more than $40,000 for Mr Murphy and his family with a $50,000 target.

Gary Elvin donated $500 to the Murphys.

“Courtney, you’ve brought so much joy to so many people, including my wife and I when you played at our wedding,” he wrote.

“Wishing you and your family all the very best as you undertake this fight.”

Samuel Pettit donated $100 writing: “Thinking of you all. Go smash this thing, mate.”

The shock news adds more grief to the family, with the Murphys losing their father three months ago to a brain tumour.

Originally published as Popular Australian singer Courtney Murphy diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer