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

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

Nigel Joyce died on May 31, while his wife Marjan died on June 6 fundraising set up for the family from Christchurch, New Zealand.

In the past two years, Mr Joyce was diagnosed with a brain tumor called glioblastoma, while his wife was 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 three weeks ago she suffered vision loss and seizures.

Then she received the devastating news that her cancer had spread to her brain and she died shortly afterwards.

The couple is survived by their two daughters Oriana and Emily, aged eight and four.

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

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

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

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.”

“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.’

Close family friend Angela Hawkins described Mrs Joyce (pictured) as someone with a ‘beautiful character’ 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 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.

‘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 fundraiser has generated donations of more than $120,000 to date.