Lachie was a typical 36-year-old Sydney-sider happily married with his wife and son. He loved all things sport, travel, spending time with family and didn't mind a cheeky beverage with friends. 

 

In May 2022, Lachie started experiencing unusual symptoms – pain, constipation, and blood in his stools. Concerned, he visited his local GP, hoping for a simple solution. The doctor's initial diagnosis was reassuring: it was just constipation. Lachie was advised to take laxatives and sent on his way.

​

Weeks passed, but the symptoms persisted, worsening with each passing day. Sleep became elusive as the pain worsened. Lachie knew something was terribly wrong. Seeking a second opinion, he consulted another GP who recognised the urgency of the situation. Without delay, Lachie was advised to head to ED.

 

Only hours later, Lachie received the devastating news – it was something far more sinister than he could have ever imagined. After weeks of staging, scans, and a colonoscopy, the truth emerged, and Lachie was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. The doctors suspected it had been silently growing within him for nearly a year. 

​

Lachie's life quickly became consumed by the relentless onslaught of medical treatments. Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery – these became his new companions, which left life-changing symptoms and impacts on his body - this became his daily struggle.

 

As March 2023 approached and Lachie neared his 37th birthday, a cruel revelation came crashing down. The cancer had spread to other parts of his body, and the once-promising prospects of a cure faded into the distance.

​

Lachie was determined to live as normal of a life as he could. He fought bravely and took every opportunity he could to see his friends, spend time outside with his son and travel -even when the odds were overwhelmingly stacked against him. His battle was a testament to his love for life.

​

In September 2023, at the age of 37, Lachie's battle came to an end.