Kiwi wood-chopping great Jason Wynyard dies after battle with aggressive cancer

Te Awamutu-born Kiwi wood-chopping great Jason Wynyard has died following a brief fight with an aggressive form of cancer.

The Te Awamutu walk-of-famer, who won nine senior world championships and many more titles around the world, was diagnosed in May with stage four Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Wynyard is unparalleled in wood chopping timber sports. He was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2017, being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

Te Awamutu walk-of-famer Jason Wynyard has died. Photo / Kate Durie

He started wood chopping at age 6, encouraged by his late father Pae — himself an accomplished axeman — and turned professional in 1996.

Wynyard won the individual world championship nine times, and the 49-year-old also claimed the Stihl Timbersports Series 14 times.

“It is with immense sadness we share our loss with you at the passing of our taonga Jason Wynyard in the early hours of this morning,” a post on the Ngāti Manu Facebook page said.

In a post on his Instagram account last month, it was revealed Wynyard underwent three cycles of chemotherapy, but before the start of the fourth cycle, it was discovered the cancer was “far too aggressive” than what chemotherapy could fight and it had continued to spread.

The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body. It drains fluid (called lymph) that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues, and empties it back into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes.

“The doctors tackled it with the strongest chemo protocol possible, and on August 18, they told him that medically, there was nothing more they could utilise to combat it and gave him weeks to live. Jason is continuing to do what he does best, and that is keeping his head in the game and [continuing to fight]. He is now switching directions and is focused on an integrated approach to healing and is continuing his fight. He is using natural remedies, alternative therapies, and spiritual practices to boost his immune system, reduce inflammation, and enhance his wellbeing. He is also using a hyperbaric chamber, which delivers pure oxygen at high pressure, to improve his blood circulation and tissue repair.

“Drawing on his competitive spirit and never-give-up attitude to defeat his illness, Jason, along with his partner Sharon and their family, are grateful for the outpouring of love and support he has received.

“It is Jason’s wish to continue to share his journey in hopes that sharing it with others ... will help raise awareness about Burkitt lymphoma, the health system in New Zealand and give strength to others experiencing life’s challenges. Please help us to continue to support Jason and Sharon as they chop their way through this next block.”