Tragedy as parents of two young girls die within days of each other after both were diagnosed with cancer

Two little girls have tragically been orphaned after their parents died just a few days apart following separate heartbreaking battles with cancer.

Nigel Joyce passed away on May 31, while his wife Marjan died on June 6, according to a fundraiser set up for the family from Christchurch in New Zealand.

Within just the last two years, Mr Joyce was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour, while his wife was told she had triple-negative breast cancer.

In a cruel twist, Ms Joyce had finished radiation on her breast cancer and was told the disease had gone, only to suffer vision loss and seizures three weeks ago.

She was then given the devastating news her cancer had spread to her brain and she died shortly after.

The couple leave behind their two daughters Oriana and Emily, aged eight and four.

Mr Joyce suffered a ‘health crisis’ on Anzac Day and was placed into palliative care where he was given just two weeks to live. 

A Give A Little fundraiser has now been set up to help support the two girls, with a joint funeral to be held for their parents in Christchurch’s St Andrew’s College on Sunday.

A close friend of the family, Angela Hawkins, described Ms Joyce, who was Dutch, as having a ‘beautiful nature’ and a ‘kindness that always brought out the best in everyone’.

‘Marjan was a truly remarkable person who left a lasting impact on those around her,’ she said.

‘Her legacy will live on through her children and family and the many lives she touched with her kindness and beautiful nature.

‘May Marjan and Nigel rest in peace, and may their memory continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew them.’

A close friend of the family, Angela Hawkins, described Mrs Joyce (pictured) as having a ‘beautiful nature’ and a ‘kindness that always brought out the best in everyone’

Mr Joyce was remembered for his ‘kind and gentle soul’, with both he and his wife having dedicated their lives to raising their two young girls.

‘Their love and dedication to their family were evident in everything they did,’ Ms Hawkins told Chris Lynch Media.

‘They both loved life and cherished their family deeply. Despite facing a rough time in the last five weeks, both Marjan and Nigel never complained. 

‘They took everything in stride and felt so loved by their family, friends, StAC, and the wider community. 

‘They remained strong, united, and resilient, showing everyone the true meaning of love and dedication. 

‘The world was a better place for having both Nigel and Marjan in it.’ 

The fundraiser has so far attracted donations of more than $120,000.