Beloved former Australian Idol star shares tragic diagnosis

The singer has shared the heartbreaking news with fans as he begins his difficult battle.

Beloved Australian musician Courtney Murphy has been diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer.

Murphy became a household name when he starred on the second season of Australian Idol in 2004. He ended up finishing third behind winner Casey Donovan and runner-up Anthony Callea.

WA singer Courtney Murphy has been diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Picture from Facebook.

Courtney’s brothers, Kieran and Chris, shared the tragic news after setting up a GoFundMe to help fund the singer’s treatment as he prepares to fight the disease.

It is with heavy hearts that we share Court has been diagnosed with advanced stage bowel cancer. It’s very serious,” the family said on the fundraising page.

“Whether you remember him from Idol, on stage in We Will Rock You or even from the pub circuit with Murphy’s Lore or The Murphy Brothers, I think it’s fair to say Court’s big voice and signature grin are pretty well known to West Aussies. But the advanced nature of his cancer means he needs full-time treatment and can no longer work — that’s why we’ve set up a GoFundMe.”

To make matters worse, it’s the latest in a string of blows for the family after their father passed away in January from a tumour.

Murphy came third on Australian Idol back in 2004 before going on to become a beloved figure in the Western Australian music scene. Picture supplied.

“We lost our Dad in January to a brain tumour,” brother Chris told The Nightly. “Now Court is fighting for his own life.”

“Anyone who knows him knows his heart is as big as his voice and by setting up this GoFundMe, we’re hoping to ease some of the burden on Courtney’s beautiful family,” he added.

Within hours of the fundraiser being set up, donations had reached over $40,000 dollars.

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

Fans rushed to share their support, with one replying: “Courtney, you’ve brought so much joy to so many people, including my wife and I when you played at our wedding. Wishing you and your family all the very best as you undertake this fight.”

“Massive love and strength to the whole Murphy fam,” said another in a touching post after donating to the cause.