Supporting Esther, Tim and Their Three Children
Support Esther, Tim and their three children as they navigate cancer treatment and a move closer to care.
Southbridge, Canterbury
Our family is reaching out for help during the hardest chapter of our lives.
Just over a month ago, my sister in law Esther was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is married to Tim (my wife's brother) and is mum to three beautiful children, Frankie (12), Arthur (10), and Maggie (4).
Esther has started chemotherapy and is now on her second round, which is beginning to respond. After months of difficult news, that small bit of progress feels like real hope. In the coming months she is scheduled for surgery, and we remain hopeful that treatment will continue to have a positive effect.
The road ahead is long, and the family is stretched thin emotionally, physically, and financially. Between treatment, time off work, travel to appointments, and the extra support the children need, costs have mounted quickly.
To be closer to specialist care, Tim and Esther are preparing to sell their home and relocate to Christchurch. Alongside treatment, they are also facing urgent household repairs and the practical realities of preparing a family home for sale.
As a wider family, we are helping with childcare, school runs, appointments, meals, and day to day support wherever we can. We are creating this page to help ease some of the financial pressure so Tim and Esther can focus on what matters most, time together as a family.
Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for any support you are able to give.
Thomas Stephens' involvement (page creator)
Esther is my sister-in-law and Tim is my brother-in-law. Alongside Esther's wider family, we help care for the children, provide practical support, and assist the family through treatment, appointments, and the challenges of everyday life.
Use of funds
Funds will help cover travel to chemotherapy, specialist appointments and surgery, accommodation, childcare, meals and household expenses, loss of income during treatment and recovery, preparing the family home for sale, and relocating closer to care.
Latest update
Update 15 September 2026
Hi everyone,
Thank you to all who have got in touch or contributed to the givealittle over the last 4 months, it has helped beyond words and we are so grateful!
Esther had her surgery in July where she had all visible cancer removed, along with some extras. It took a while to recover but she is starting to come right now. She also started chemo again and is now down to her last session this Thursday! It is in equal parts fantastic and frightening 😂😬
After the last chemo we have a little down time before she starts her inhibitors which is prescribed for 3 years, side effects are nausea and fatigue which is challenging but she has dealt with worse.
Until then we are going to make the most of her extra energy with some much needed family time.
Doctors are pleased with her progress but are cautious as the cancer commonly returns within 6 months to 2 years. We are planning on being in the percentage that proves them wrong. So keep sending your thoughts and well wishes it has meant the world!
Lots of Love Esther, Tim, Frankie, Arthur and Maggie x x x
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