Anthony thought he had indigestion after eating, now he has received the worst news imaginable.

A Queensland family’s lives have been turned upside down and there is widespread concern after a devastating diagnosis.

Anthony Anderson from Mackay was suffering from stomach pains after dinner one evening, but what could have been indigestion turned out to be the worst news.

Just three weeks ago, Mr Anderson, a volunteer rugby league referee, was told he had stage four bowel cancer and a secondary tumour in his brain.

The Air Force veteran had just started a new job and was enjoying life with his partner Madi Jeffries and their children Hallie, 4, and Ollie, 6.

“My main message to everyone is get tested, bowel cancer is a silent killer,” Ms Jeffries told the Townsville Bulletin.

To help the family, friend Emma Price has a GoFundMe because ‘Anthony’s diagnosis puts a huge financial strain on (them)’.

“The cost of medical treatments, hospital visits and other associated expenses is high,” Ms. Price wrote on the fundraising page.

“In addition, the cost of living remains a challenge as the family tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for their young children.”

Anthony Anderson is pictured with his partner Madi Jeffries and their children Hallie and Ollie

“It’s absolutely devastating. He’s 42. It came out of nowhere.”

Ms Price said she and her husband Nathan, owner of Get Real Workwear and Safety Australia where Madi worked, had known her for 15 years.

“She’s like family to us… when all this happened we were really shocked,” she said.

The pain was compounded when Mrs Jeffries’ mother gave up her job to move to Mackay and help with the children while Mr Anderson was treated in hospital, but then she too became seriously ill.

She suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital, where doctors were able to save her life.

Just a few days later, Anthony and Madi had to return to Townsville, 386km north of Mackay, so Anthony could have the tumour removed at Townsville Hospital.

Mrs Price said she and her family were overwhelmed by the response to the fundraiser, which had already raised $17,480 by Friday evening.

“Anthony has always been the backbone of his family and a pillar of our community… his life took an unexpected turn that none of us could have anticipated,” she wrote.

‘A minor pain in his stomach led to a devastating diagnosis. This news came as a complete shock to his family and friends, and the urgency is now greater than ever to support them during this unimaginable time.’

Anthony Anderson, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer, is pictured with his partner Madi Jeffries

Mr. Anderson (pictured) felt pain in his stomach one night after dinner. It turned out to be cancer

All funds raised will be used to pay for Mr. Anderson’s medical treatments, cover the family’s living expenses while the couple is unable to work, and care for their children.

In an update on her partner’s condition, Mrs Jeffries wrote: ‘And just like that, Anthony has been taken to what will likely be his biggest obstacle on this journey.

‘Today Anthony is having surgery on his brain to remove a secondary tumor… something I never thought I would have to say, but here we are.

“So now we wait to know if he’s on the other side and safe. In the words of his cap… F*** CANCER!”