Devastated family reveal how orphaned children are coping after BOTH of their parents died from cancer in just a week

The family of two young girls who were orphaned after both their parents died of cancer within days of each other have revealed how the children are coping with the double tragedy.

Oriana and Emily Joyce, aged eight and four, were orphaned after their parents tragically died just days apart, following separate heartbreaking battles with the disease.

Nigel Joyce died on May 31, while his wife Marjan died on June 6. The family lived in Christchurch, New Zealand.

A Give A Little fundraiser was created to help Oriana and Emily cope with growing up without their beloved parents.

More than $287,000 has been raised so far and donations are still pouring in Monday evening.

Nigel Joyce (photo) died on May 31, while his wife Marjan (photo) died on June 6. They are survived by their two daughters Oriana and Emily (photo).

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 to the beautiful girls of Nigel and Marjan over the past few weeks,” he wrote.

“We recognize that things are difficult for many people right now, but the generosity that has been shown has been truly overwhelming.”

“We would also like you all to know that the family continues to be loved and cared for as they work through this difficult time and move into the next phase of our lives.”

The moving statement ended with the words ‘Kia kaha’, a Māori expression meaning ‘stay strong’.

Nigel and Marjan Joyce (pictured on their wedding day) tragically died of cancer just days apart

Close family friend Angela Hawkins described Marjan (pictured) as someone with a ‘beautiful character’ and a ‘kindness that always brought out the best in everyone’.

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

He had previously been diagnosed with a brain tumor called glioblastoma, while his wife was separately diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

In a cruel twist, Mrs Joyce had finished radiotherapy for her breast cancer and was told the disease was gone, but in May she suffered vision loss and seizures.

Then she received the devastating news that her cancer had spread to her brain and a few weeks later she died.

A close family friend, Angela Hawkins, described Mrs Joyce, who was Dutch, as having a “beautiful character” and a “kindness that always brought out the best in everyone.”

A Give A Little fundraiser has been set up to help Oriana and Emily navigate life without their mom and dad. The photo shows 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 dedicating their lives to raising their two young girls.

“Their love and dedication to their family was evident in everything they did,” Mrs. Hawkins said Chris Lynch Media.

“They both loved life and cherished their family deeply. Despite going through a difficult time over the past 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 family friend 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 and showed everyone the true meaning of love and devotion.

‘The world had become a better place for both Nigel and Marjan.’

The Give a small fundraiser The page reads: ‘This page has been set up to support the girls and the family at this heartbreaking time.

As parents, this situation strikes a deep chord, and as we look at the faces of our loved ones, we can only imagine the pain they are experiencing.”

‘If you can, please 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.”