The Ballito community has rallied behind parents Ryan and Nicky Walsh after the couple were both diagnosed with cancer in the same week.

The Walshes were living in Portugal with their daughters, Caysey (14) and Emma (12), when Ryan discovered the disease had spread to his lymph nodes after visiting a specialist to remove a mole. Seven days later, a growth Nicky had found was confirmed as triple-negative breast cancer.

“Ryan and I were stunned. We thought, ‘In no world can you and I have cancer at the same time’,” said Nicky.

The devastating diagnoses came just a few months after Nicky’s brother died from brain cancer in January.

Despite the shock, the family remains upbeat and grateful for the support they have received since returning to Ballito

“This Ballito community is truly exceptional. It is so humbling and such a powerful reminder of the heart that beats as one in this town,” said Nicky.

Ryan and Nicky first moved to Ballito in 2009 and stayed until taking a 14-month road trip through southern Africa from late 2021 to early 2023. A year later, they set off again, planning to travel through Europe from their base in Portugal, before pressing pause to support Nicky’s brother in the UK.

Upon receiving their own diagnoses in July, they returned to Ballito to be close to family and a support system.

“Ryan’s melanoma and my triple-negative breast cancer both require intense treatment and we just could not have faced that in a foreign country.”

Both require immunotherapy, which is not covered by their medical aid and is expected to cost more than R2-million. A BackaBuddy fundraising page has been launched and supported alongside a benefit event at Ashton International College Ballito on Saturday.

Organised by Shan Fourie, Simone Mann and Lisa Blanché, the event featured a dance performance by members of the Performing Arts Centre and an auction with donated prizes, raising more than R100 000.

“Saturday’s event was proof of the extraordinary impact a united community can have – offering hope, financial help and a reminder that they are not alone,” said Fourie.
More support is needed as treatment costs continue to mount, but the family remains determined.

“We refuse to stay in a place of fear and are determined to overcome. We are so appreciative of everyone who has offered support of any kind, it truly does make a difference,” said Nicky.

Donations can be made at backabuddy.co.za/campaign/walsh-family-cancer-fight.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.