As Haydens two younger siblings, we never thought we'd be in the position to have to contemplate writing anything of this nature.

Hayden was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2024 and fought it with incredible strength, undergoing fortnightly chemotherapy throughout much of 2025. When he received the news that the cancer had cleared, there was a renewed sense of hope that life could begin to return to normal.

Around Christmas 2025, Hayden began experiencing back pain. A CT scan at the time appeared clear, offering reassurance. However, by March 2026, his tumour markers had risen. A PET scan has devastatingly revealed that the cancer has regrown in the bowel and metastasised to surrounding areas, including his liver and two distant pelvic lymph nodes. Hayden is now facing Stage 4 bowel cancer.

Hayden is a deeply loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He is someone who means so much to so many people, with family and friends spread across Australia and New Zealand. During his previous rounds of treatment, the constant messages of love, encouragement and support truly carried him through some of his hardest days. While Hayden remains focused on fighting this with everything he has, the reality of this diagnosis is incredibly heavy, and the thought of not being there to watch his children grow is something no parent should ever have to face.

This new diagnosis means he will now re-enter intensive, fortnightly chemotherapy to prolong his life. Most importantly, the treatment will allow time to create as many meaningful memories as possible with his wife Sarah and their three beautiful children, Izzy, Harry, and Isaac, as well as extended family and friends.

During his previous treatment, Hayden did everything he could to keep working, despite the physical and emotional toll and the financial strain it placed on him and his family. This time, we want to ease that burden, so he can focus on what truly matters in the months ahead.

Hayden was incredibly proud of his fundraising efforts last year, where, with the support of friends and family, over $7,000 was raised for bowel cancer research. Now, it’s our turn to support him directly.

There has been an outpouring of love for Hayden from both sides of the ditch, with so many people wanting to help but unsure how. This is one meaningful way to make a difference.

We are raising funds to support Hayden and his family, to give them some breathing room during an unimaginably difficult time.

Your donation will help to:

Ease the pressure of essential household expenses.

Allow Hayden and Sarah to reduce work commitments during treatment.

Give their family the opportunity to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and for standing alongside Hayden and his family.

Love Sam and Lucy Kelly