Father's heartbreak as boy dies from brain cancer just months after mum

A Melbourne father has said goodbye to his two-year-old son who succumbed to brain cancer – just six months after his mother’s death.

After overcoming her first diagnosis nearly a decade ago, Sara Chivers learned she had developed three brain tumours in March last year – just months before she and husband, Leigh, would learn that their youngest son, Alfie, was also battling brain cancer.

When her own treatment began to fail, she turned her attention to preparing her young family for life after she was gone, penning a beautiful letter to her “proudest accomplishments”.

But on Monday night, less than six months since Sara passed away, Leigh revealed Alfie had died.

Taking to social media to share a photo of Alfie, he wrote: “Rest in peace little man, we love you forever.”

Tributes and condolences began to pour in for the brave toddler and his loving dad.

“Rest in peace beautiful boy, back in mummies (sic) arms,” one person wrote.

“My heart is breaking, rest in peace beautiful little man,” another said.

Sara, whose story was later shared by Vogue Magazine, first made headlines in November 2017 when she left some life lessons for her boys to live by.

“I won’t be around to see you grow up. It’s a hard thing to say and even harder to face,” she wrote.

“Heartbroken doesn’t come close to describing the pain I feel at not being in your lives in the future, but I would never change or forego the time we have spent together and the immense joy you have brought me. You are without a doubt my proudest accomplishments.

“I can never emphasise enough the importance of good table manners. Remember to say please and thank you. Address your friends’ parents by Mrs, Ms or Mr unless told otherwise.

“Your dad is the most admirable, courageous man I have ever known… He is an exceptional father and role model.

“Don’t let him doubt himself, or the wonderful job he will do shaping you into the men I dream of you growing up to be.”

Sara’s sister Stephanie Clark had set up a GoFundMe page that went on to raise more than $181,000, which was used to help to pay Alfie’s medical bills.