Katharine Clarkson, or Katie as known to most, is an incredible mother, wife, teacher, friend, sister and daughter. Those fortunate enough to know her personally know her loyalty, kindness, determination and strength is next to none. Her infectious joy and love for life is evident to anyone who crosses her path.

At 33 years old with 2 beautiful children (Bailey, 4 & Bodhi, 2), Katie and her husband Matt found out they were pregnant for the third time. What should have been a joyful time, announcing baby number 3, events took a turn that no one was expecting. A NIPT screening test showed some chromosomal abnormalities of maternal origin requiring further investigation.

An intense two weeks of scans and testing in the lead up to Christmas followed and devastatingly revealed the worst possible news for Katie, a diagnosis of Stage 4 Colorectal cancer.

Faced with choices that no parents should have to confront, labour was induced at 16 weeks gestation and Katie and Matt got to hold their baby boy Toby, for the first and last time on Christmas Eve.

Still in the midst of heartbreak, an extensive chemotherapy regime was commenced in early 2026. Treatment is intense and aggressive with the aim to shrink the metastasised liver tumours enough to remove up to 50% of Katie's liver and part of her bowel later in the year.

Katie has shown remarkable resilience and strength in the face of insurmountable challenge after challenge.

For the full story in Katie's own brave words, see this video:

We've set up this GoFund Me page with the support of Katie, Matt, Bailey and Bodhi as they navigate this life changing diagnosis.

Funds raised will go directly to the Clarkson family to help with any costs related to medical treatment, everyday tasks such as cleaning, meals, gardening etc. as well as helping to retain as much normality for Bailey and Bodhi, keeping them in childcare and their usual sports and activities during this time.

Katie and Matt would love to travel to Japan with Bailey and Bodhi when treatment is finished after Covid stopped them from travelling for their honeymoon in 2021.

Katie would never ask for this herself, but those who love her want to show up for her now. Any support, whether donating or sharing, truly means the world.