Mackay dad Anthony Anderson has been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer

A Qld dad’s world has been shattered after he received devastating news. But their community has rallied for the veteran and his family raising more than $17,000.

Mackay dad of two Anthony Anderson has been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and recently had a secondary tumour in his brain removed.

Three weeks ago a devoted Mackay father, described as the backbone of his family, received a devastating diagnosis that ripped his world apart.

He had just started a new job and was enjoying family life when air force veteran of seven years Anthony Anderson learned he had stage four bowel cancer and a secondary tumour in his brain.

Nothing could prepare him or his loving partner Madison Jeffries for the shock news.

“My biggest message to anyone is go and get tested, bowel cancer is a silent killer,” Madi said.

She was currently by Anthony’s side as he recovers in Townsville Hospital from surgery to remove the tumour.

Close friend and employer Emma Price is helping to ease the financial burden of the couple’s new reality with a GoFundMe campaign had has raised more than $17,000 in six days.

This all began with a bit of stomach pain one night after dinner that gradually got worse, Emma said.

Mackay dad of two Anthony Anderson has been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and recently had a secondary tumour in his brain removed.

Anthony, who also volunteers his time as a rugby league referee in the Mackay community, saw his doctor a few days later and tests were run, which revealed he had bowel cancer – then a PET scan showed the cancer had already spread.

“It is absolutely devastating,” Emma said.

“He’s 42. It came out of nowhere.”

Emma said she and her husband Nathan, who own Get Real Workwear and Safety Australia where Madi worked, had known her for about 15 years.

“She’s like our family … when all this happened, it’s really rocked us,” she said.

It was also the driving force behind starting the online campaign to help the couple while Anthony, a father of two, was in and out of hospital and the family has been forced to restructure their lives.

Emma said Madi’s mother had even given up her job to move to Mackay to help with the children while Anthony was in and out of hospital.

But adding to their heartbreak she recently suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital where doctors saved her life.

And just days later Anthony and Madi had to returned to Townsville so he could have the tumour removed.

All the family can do now is take each day at a time.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help the family with the medical costs. Anthony (top right) with his partner Madi Jeffries (left) and their children Hallie, 4 and Ollie, 6.

Emma posted the GoFundMe six days ago and said she and the couple were overwhelmed with the response – as of Friday afternoon it was sitting at $17,130.

“Anthony has always been the backbone of his family and a pillar of our community … his life took an unexpected turn that none of us could foresee,” Ms Price wrote.

“A small pain in his stomach led to a devastating diagnosis. This news has come as a complete shock to his family and friends, and the urgency is now greater than ever to support them through this unimaginable time.”

Emma, who also runs a lash technician business, said she was donating all proceeds over the past seven days to help the couple.

All funds raised will directly contribute to Anthony’s medical treatments, the family’s living expenses while the couple is unable to work and support for their two children.

Visit the GoFundMe site HERE.

Originally published as Mackay dad Anthony Anderson has been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer