Mum of Hunter bus crash victim continues his cancer campaign
Tomorrow marks six months since the devastating Hunter Valley bus crash, and the mother of one of the victims is continuing her son's legacy in the fight against bowel cancer.
Jacqui Varasdi should have spent today celebrating the 30th birthday of her eldest son, Zach Bray.
Almost six months ago Varasdi was watching breakfast TV, shocked and devastated at the news coming out of the Hunter Valley near Sydney.
READ MORE: 'I have given it my all': Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk resigns
Zach Bray had bowel cancer before his death in the Hunter Valley bus crash six months ago. Nine
She knew Zach had been at a wedding the night before and slowly her worst fears were realised.
"I think it'll just really sink in that he's not here on his 30th, up until now it still doesn't feel 100 per cent real," Varasdi said.
Like all of the victims of Australia's worst road crash in 30 years Bray was in the prime of his life and had everything to live for.
He'd already been through so much.
Jacqui Varasdi should have spent today celebrating the 30th birthday of her eldest son, Zach Bray. Nine
READ MORE: Roof blown off building as wild storms sweep across NSW
"Zach was very passionate about spreading the word about bowel cancer in young people, which he was diagnosed with when he was 25," Varasdi said.
"We got through that event, we got through that health event and for this to happen and for him to pass the way he did, it's not fair."
Varasdi has chosen to share her story on Bray's 30th birthday to continue his work encouraging other young people not to ignore any troubling symptoms.
Varasdi has chosen to share her story on Bray's 30th birthday to continue his work encouraging other young people not to ignore any troubling symptoms. Nine
READ MORE: 'A Labor hero': MPs react to Annastacia Palaszczuk's shock resignation
"I wouldn't be talking to you if this hadn't happen to Zach. The fact that he did die in this such a horrible tragedy has highlighted his story, which includes the fact that he had bowel cancer at 25, that he was an ambassador for the Gut Foundation to spread that word," she said.
Bowel cancer in young people is on the rise.
READ MORE: He found a lump and went to GP but knows other men probably wouldn't
People born from 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of developing rectal cancer, than someone born in 1950.
But if caught early more than 90 per cent of cases can be treated successfully.
Roy Wakelin-King from The Gut Foundation advised anybody who was worried not to hesitate to see a doctor.
"If you've got any symptoms to please go and get checked. go and talk to your GP even if you've got any doubts," he said.
That's the legacy Zach's mum hopes he's left behind.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
