Sunshine Coast Falcons, Coolum Colts coach Steve Belsham diagnosed with cancer in both kidneys

A beloved Queensland rugby league coach known for encouraging young girls to play footy has devastatingly been diagnosed with an aggressive kidney cancer – saying he’s “overwhelmed” and “very emotional” by all of the support he’s received.

Former Sunshine Coast Falcons BMD head coach Steve Belsham. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A beloved and popular Sunshine Coast rugby league coach known for his dedication, kindness, leadership and for encouraging young girls to play footy has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in both his kidneys.

Former Sunshine Coast Falcons and Coolum Colts rugby league coach Steve Belsham has a new, life-threatening challenge he’s gearing up to tackle head-on.

The 65-year-old beloved Coolum resident was working as a youth co-ordinator at the Coolum State High School before he got the news.

Mr Belsham said the support he had received from the community was overwhelming.

“I’m truly overwhelmed, it gets me very emotional,” he said.

“I didn’t realise I had touched so many people to be recognised like that, knowing I’ve been able to help others out is an amazing and proud feeling.

Sunshine Coast coach Steve Belsham. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I wasn’t expecting anything like it at all but I’m just so thankful from the response of the school students, the footy club, the wider sporting group and Sunshine Coast community.

“It’s a big thank you to everyone that’s contributed financially or through their positive messages, it’s really helping me get over the line.

“It’s made me much stronger and has given me a big boost to hopefully beat this horrible thing.”

He’s currently at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Last week he had surgery on his left kidney.

“They took my left kidney out, cut the cancer and mended it back together before putting it all back in my body,” he said.

“I got some great news … that my body had taken to surgery and responded well which is fantastic.”

Belsham visiting Currimundi Special School back in 2009. Picture: Warren Lynam.

Mr Belsham said he hoped to be released from hospital for a few weeks before the inevitable surgery on his right kidney.

“The doctors and staff aren’t sure if it’s savable, but if it is they’re going to do the same tactics,” he said.

“It’s a big round one win. I’m really chuffed but I know I’ve got two more rounds to go.”

Mr Belsham wanted to say a huge thank you to the hospital and to Dr Simon Wood.

“You take things for granted until you’re in this predicament and it’s not until then you understand what goes on behind the scenes,” he said.

“I can’t say enough about the doctors, nurses and staff here because they’re all so amazing.

“They should all be great rugby league coaches I think because their planning and execution is amazing.”

Belsham coaching at Kawana back in 2011. Picture: Nicholas Falconer.

Queensland Rugby League club co-ordinator and former Coolum Colts president Josh Olsen said the club was in awe of Mr Belsham’s strength.

“Since finishing up with full-time employment in the game, Belsho has stayed engaged as a volunteer at the Coolum Colts Rugby League Club,” Mr Olsen said.

“He was a key figure is supporting coaches as the club’s coaching co-ordinator, and was also instrumental in growing female participation at the club with more than 80 girls now playing footy at the Colts.

“The club community was shocked by the news, but we are all behind him and his family.

“We know he will give his all in tackling this challenge head-on.”

The Coolum community is rallying to support coach Steve Belsham. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Candice Semiotas, who does social media for the Coolum Colts, said he would always be so much more than a coach.

“Steve is not only a coach at our club, he is much more than that … he’s someone you can always rely on to help out where needed and give great advice,” she said online.

“He is a friend, mentor and amazing role model to so many kids not only at the club, but at Coolum High.

“But it’s not only the kids who look up to Steve, it’s the adults as well.

“You can’t know Steve and not love him – he is one of the very best people in this life … his kindness, big heart, great attitude, willingness to be there for those that need him, whenever they need him, his positivity, joy and all-round happy nature – we could go on about Steve all day.

“Steve is such an integral part of the entire Coolum community and we want to all come together in anyway possible, to help Steve out at this time.

“Coolum has shown time and time again just how amazing it is to be part of this community, and we know this time will be no different – especially with one of our very own, in need of our help and love.”

A player on the girls’ under 15s Coolum Colts team and year 11 student at Coolum State High School, Harpa Johnson, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Mr Belsham.

“Steve Belsham is not just a friend to us all … he embodies the spirit of community, kindness, and resilience,” she said.

“An incredible coach, counsellor, leader and role model.

“Steve has a unique ability to uplift those around him, consistently bringing joy and positivity to our lives.

“His infectious smile and unwavering support have touched countless hearts, creating a ripple effect of goodwill in our community.”

Harpa said she was devastated to hear of his cancer diagnosis.

“Recently, Steve has faced some health challenges that have put him on a temporary pause,” she said.

“However, we know from experience that he is exceptionally strong and determined.

“We have full faith that he will navigate this journey with the same tenacity that he brings to everything he does.

“In light of these circumstances, we have decided to come together as a community to show our unwavering support for Steve during his time away.

“We are organising a fundraising initiative aimed at providing him with the encouragement he deserves and to ensure he knows that we are here for him every step of the way.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Falcons, Coolum Colts coach Steve Belsham diagnosed with cancer in both kidneys