High cost of cancer hits home for White Hills footy player Rhyce Davies

A White Hills footy player has received the birthday news that no 26-year-old wants. See how the community is rallying to support him.

A fit and healthy 26-year-old from Bendigo has received the birthday news nobody wants to hear.

Rhyce Davies, who works as a tradie, was handed a shock cancer diagnosis on his birthday.

His boss Jye Giri, from Bendigo Property Maintenance, has started an online fundraising page for him while he is off work.

“Rhyce has been with us for about six years and is a much loved member of staff,” he said.

“He did his tiling apprenticeship with us. He is a very funny, loyal, caring and happy man. He would never ask for any help so we are doing it for him. The emotional and financial strain due to not working will be extremely difficult for him.”

Rhyce Davies, of Bendigo. Picture: GoFundMe

Mr Davies has been diagnosed with a rare form of testicular cancer.

Mr Giri said Rhyce had already spent about $3000 on tests and was paying accommodation in Melbourne near the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

To help, Mr Giri has set up the fundraising page on the GoFundMe website.

A number of building supplies business in Bendigo, including a large tiling company, have contributed cash and prizes to the fundraising effort which Mr Giri hopes to be able to either auction or raffle to help reach the fundraising goal.

“Rhyce has a lot of friends, he plays footy for the White Hills Football Club and there is a lot of support for him. We will keep everybody up to date via Facebook and the fundraising page about what we’re doing next in terms of an event and auction,” he said.

The campaign has a $75,000 target.

According to the Cancer Council Victoria, cancer patients commonly faced out of pocket expenses ranging from hundreds of dollars to more than $10,000.

“There are many different types of costs that can add up during diagnosis, treatment and recovery,” the council said.

“These will vary depending on cancer type, stage and treatment options, and whether you have treatment as a public or private patient.”

Expenses include over-the-counter and prescription medicines and dressings, medical appliances and devices such as breast prostheses or compression garments, travel, parking and accommodation childcare and home help.

“It is very common for people to struggle with the financial impact of cancer,” the council said.

“It’s also common for people to feel too embarrassed to ask for help.”

The Cancer Council Australia said testicular cancer was one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men aged 18 – 39.

Men’s Health Week also drew attention to the statistics last year.