The family of two young girls left orphaned after both of their parents died of cancer within days of one another has revealed how the children are coping following the double tragedy.
Oriana and Emily Joyce, aged eight and four, were orphaned after their parents tragically died just a few days apart, following separate heartbreaking battles with the disease.
Nigel Joyce passed away on May 31, while his wife Marjan died on June 6. The family lived in Christchurch, New Zealand.
A Give A Little fundraiser was set up to help support Oriana and Emily as they face life growing up without their beloved parents.
More than $287,000 has been raised so far with donations still pouring in on Monday night.
Nigel Joyce (pictured) passed away on May 31, while his wife Marjan (pictured) died on June 6. They leave behind their two daughters Oriana and Emily (pictured)
Family member John Joyce thanked loved ones and complete strangers for their generosity in a heartwarming update on the online fundraiser.
‘The Joyce family would like to take this opportunity to share their immense gratitude for the outpouring of kindness and support from far and wide, that has been offered to them, and Nigel and Marjan’s beautiful girls over the past few weeks,’ he wrote.
‘We acknowledge that things are tough for a lot of people at the moment, but the generosity that has been shown is truly overwhelming.’
‘We would also like you all to know that the girls continue to be loved and cared for by the family, as they work through this difficult period and move into the next phase of our lives.’
The moving statement concluded with the words ‘Kia kaha’, which is a Māori phrase meaning ‘stay strong’.
Nigel and Marjan Joyce (pictured on their wedding day) tragically died of cancer just days apart
A close friend of the family, Angela Hawkins, described Marjan (pictured) as having a ‘beautiful nature’ and a ‘kindness that always brought out the best in everyone’
Mr Joyce suffered a ‘health crisis’ on Anzac Day and was placed into palliative care, where he was given just two weeks to live.
He had earlier been diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour, while his wife was separately told that 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 in May.
She was then given the devastating news her cancer had spread to her brain and she died a few weeks after.
Close family friend Angela Hawkins, described Mrs Joyce, who was Dutch, as having a ‘beautiful nature’ and a ‘kindness that always brought out the best in everyone’.
A Give A Little fundraiser was set up to help support Oriana and Emily as they face life without their mum and dad. Pictured are the family in happier times
‘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.’
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.
‘Her legacy will live on through her children and family and the many lives she touched with her kindness and beautiful nature’, close friend of the family, Angela Hawkins said of Marjan Joyce (pictured)
‘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 Give a Little fundraiser page states: ‘This page is set up to support the girls and the family as they navigate this heart-wrenching time.
As parents, this situation strikes a deep chord, and as we look at the faces of our loved ones, we can only begin to imagine the pain they are enduring.’
‘Please, if you can, donate any amount to support the Joyce family with their immediate and long-term needs. Your kindness and generosity will make a significant difference in their lives.’