Newborn Southland twins diagnosed with terminal cancer - community rallies

The twin girls have been diagnosed with leukaemia after being born at 32 weeks. Photo / Thinkstock

After a heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis for newborn Southland identical twin girls the community has raised close to $30,000 for the grieving parents.

Born prematurely at 32 weeks to Invercargill couple Mathew Broad and Sonja Mckenzie on February 6, Charlotte and Olivia were diagnosed with terminal leukaemia a fortnight later. Such a diagnosis for children so young is extremely rare, according to medical experts.

A Givealittle page set up by family friend Jane Douglas had raised $29,225 last night, comprising more than 620 donations from friends, family and community members.

"Unsure of the time we have with these precious babies we are raising money to help their parents, Matt and Sonja stay with them to enjoy every moment and not have the additional worry of expenses," Mrs Douglas' listing on the page said.

Leukaemia and Blood Foundation chief executive Pru Etcheverry said leukaemia accounted for about half of all child cancer, meaning about 75 children were living with the disease.

"Any diagnosis is very, very hard on any family affected and it's very difficult for families and really important if people can be supported at these times."

Ms Mckenzie and Mr Broad are widely recognised as already contributing to the community who are now giving back to his family.

In 2012, Mr Broad ran the length of the country to raise $30,000 for St John Ambulance in memory of his grandfather, who was a passionate supporter and regional chairman of the Winton ambulance service.

Ms Mckenzie is a gymnastics coach and former athlete with Invercargill Gymnastics Club.

Blood cancer in NZ

• Blood cancers combined (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma) are the fifth most common form of cancer in New Zealand.
• Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer.
• There are about 10,000 New Zealanders living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition.
• These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning.