Supporting Walshy's fight Stage IV Colon Cancer

Hi,

My name is Caitlin and I'm Richards eldest daughter,you may know him as Dick, Walshy, Coach, the Wolf, but to us he is just Husband, Dad and Poppy.

On the 6th of March Dad went to the hospital with pain in his stomach which became unbearable after an eventual pet scan the results came back that he has stage IV Colon incurable cancer. Three weeks of being in hospital He had major surgery on the 23rd of March To remove the tumour in his colon and the surrounding areas affected but we have all been devastated with the diagnosis that the cancer had already metastasised to his liver, stomach and spine and although we know it is incurable and he is now under palliative care with a treatment plan to prolong life. Anyone who knows my Dad knows that he isn't one to shy away from a fight and he will fight this the best he can.

Growing up with a footballer Dad

who has given so much time and dedication to the football community from being a player to coach, to working for the QRL and NRL, he was above all else a mentor and role model to so many people. Our weekends mostly consisted of football but in the off season we would always have a family trip where possible. For as long as I can remember my Dad would talk about his dream of finally retiring and being able to get in his camper van and take off around Australia, visiting old towns we lived, relieving memories, going to 1770, the sunshine coast, all his old stomping grounds, visiting Cobar where my brother was put to rest and of course catching up with all of the friends he has made along the way.

Unfortunately due to this diagnosis he now has a huge fight ahead of him, All who know Dad knows that he is a very strong very proud man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone and while he is about to start the biggest battle of his life we can't help change the diagnosis the biggest thing we can do to help Dad and Mum is alleviate some financial stresses now their business has had to close and dad is the sole income earner. Help with things such as medical bills, treatment options, and household bills that come along so he can focus on this fight and spend as much time as possible with Mum, us kids and his 8 grandkids.

Another thing we can help with is planning the Road trip of a lifetime for him, hopefully in the campervan of his dreams free of stress and seeing all of the places he has on his list.

My Dad is the greatest man I know and I know he isn't one to ask for help, he is also the first person to put his hand up and help every one he meets. We have been through a lot as a family and this is just another battle to fight. Even if you can't help financially sharing would also be greatly appreciated.

Dad begins his folfox 6 chemo treatment on the 4th of May and to be part of Walshys Wolf Pack go to @walshyswolfpack on instagram

Thank you and much love,

The Whole Walsh Clan x