Port Adelaide match winner Jeremy Finlayson’s emotional tribute to terminally ill wife Kellie
Port Adelaide’s final-goal hero Jeremy Finlayson has broken down as he paid a heartbreaking tribute to his terminally ill wife, Kellie, after the club’s win over the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
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Port Adelaide’s final-goal hero Jeremy Finlayson has choked back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his terminally ill wife, Kellie, after the club’s win over the Sydney Swans at the SCG.
The on-field cliffhanger drama continued immediately after the game during a Channel 7 interview when an emotional Finlayson’s attention turned to his 25-year-old wife’s battle with terminal cancer.
“I hope she’s watching. I love her so much,” he said, fighting back tears.
“This is just a reward of sticking tough and doing it for Kell and Soph (their daughter) back home. I’m happy to be out here playing footy and doing what I love.”
The couple was married in March after Kellie was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
Kellie was given the devastating diagnosis just months after finishing her treatment for bowel cancer, which had emerged shortly after the birth of their first child Sophia in August 2021.
Last week, Kellie, whose maiden name is Gardner, gave fans a personal look into their wedding, posting a video on Monday with the caption: “when I tell you there wasn’t a dry eye”.
The bride went on to thank videographer Connor Gurr who captured the magical day.
The video shows the couple separately getting ready for the day while recordings of their vows play in the background.
“I promise to always hold your hand and skip with you down the street,” Mr Finlayson is heard saying.
The couple got married on March 5 surrounded by their closest friends and an intimate ceremony at Tennyson Beach.
The pair had originally planned to marry in October, after hearing Kellie’s terminal stage 4 cancer diagnosis in January, but later decided they couldn’t wait.
“I wanted to get married with my hair and I have started losing hair,” said Kellie, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
With only three weeks to plan everything, Kellie knew she could count on those close to her to help make it happen.
“I was very lucky – our bridal party and my agency did a lot,” she said referring to Adelaide’s The Models, with whom she is signed.
Kellie has been sharing her cancer journey in an effort to educate others about early detection, and she had rare good news last month.
“In line with this weeks theme of ‘lucky girl syndrome’ my tumour markers are tracking below the suspicion levels, chemo is working better than expected & the cancer is unable to thrive!!!” she wrote on Instagram.
“Someone buy me a lottery ticket.”
The courageous young mother’s battle with cancer and her determination to raise awareness has inspired countless South Australians to get checked.
For that, days after the wedding she was honoured last month with The Advertiser Foundation Inspiration Award at The Advertiser, Sunday Mail and SkyCity Woman of the Year Awards at SkyCity Adelaide.
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Originally published as Port Adelaide match winner Jeremy Finlayson’s emotional tribute to terminally ill wife Kellie
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