By Tate Papworth
With the memory of her brave husband front of mind, Deer Park woman Nicole Fyfe is putting on her runners and walking with purpose.
Ms Fyfe’s husband died from bowel cancer in January after a two-year battle with the disease.
His determination and spirit in the face of tremendous adversity inspired Ms Fyfe to continue his legacy.
“My husband kept getting really bad stomach pains and reflux, but he was only 37, so doctors kept telling us it was reflux issues,” Ms Fyfe said.
“The pain got so bad that we went to the hospital and they did a full scan … he was in surgery the next day. It was a whirlwind.
“He was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, but you wouldn’t have known; he’d be working immediately after his chemo, he’d even go straight from chemo to umpiring our children’s sporting events.”
She said not even the worst possible news seemed to stop him.
“He stopped chemo when we were told it wasn’t working anymore, but near the end he told the nurse he was determined to play one last game of cricket,” Ms Fyfe said.
“So he discharged himself from the hospital and was on the park that afternoon.”
Now Ms Fyfe is determined to continue that legacy.
Throughout March, she will be walking a total of 50 kilometres to raise money for the Cancer Council.
“He was determined to show these doctors that having cancer wasn’t going to stop him from doing anything … I wasn’t an overly active person before, but he inspired me,” Ms Fyfe said.
“I’m walking laps of the oval while my son has football training, walking to pick my daughter up from school … just slowly chipping away at it. I’ve got three children to look after now so there’s extra motivation.“
To donate to Ms Fyfe’s cause, visit: www. themarchcharge.com.au/fundraisers/ nicolefyfe/2020
