JUST two months ago Chris Watts was a happy father of three who was heavily involved in the Anakie CFA.

But his life would change forever when he was diagnosed with stage four bile duct cancer at 37.

Prior to his diagnosis, Mr Watts was a busy man who loved being outdoors on his 60-acre property.

Friend Amanda Denny said it was “a massive shock” to learn of the previously fit and healthy plumber’s diagnosis.

“The cancer is slowly rattling everywhere in him,” she said.

“His whole world was turned upside down.”

Mr Watts was the main breadwinner for his family, including wife Courtney and children Mason, 11, Ruby, 5, and Kade, 2.

He has recently had chemotherapy, which was unsuccessful in treating his cancer.

The family had grand plans to turn their 160-year-old home into the abode of their dreams before the cancer put everything on hold.

“They bought an old run down house with the ambition of building their own home,” Ms Denny said.

media_camera Chris and Courtney Watts with their children Mason, Ruby and Kade. Picture: Alan Barber

Ms Watts said she was incredibly grateful for the support of the close knit community following her husband’s diagnosis.

“He was always busy with work, I always struggled to get him in the house,” she said.

“People have just been so unbelievable helpful, a lot of people have been cooking and offering to look after the kids. We’re really grateful.”

The Anakie community is rallying around the beloved family man, organising ‘Wattsy’s Big Bash’ fundraiser to help Mr Watts financially.

Ms Denny said the main aim of the fundraiser was to help the family pay for expenses while Mr Watts was in hospital and to put the money towards their dream home renovations.

MORE NEWS

CYBER ATTACK HITS BARWON HEALTH

PLANS FOR NEW $8M HOTEL REVEALED

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE GEELONG GP

Ms Watts said her husband also hoped to use some of the money to access expensive immunotherapy treatment which is not funded for his type of cancer.

The Wattsy’s Big Bash fundraiser will feature coffee and gelato vans, auctions, a barbecue, jumping castle, music and face painting.

The event is on October 5 from 1pm-5pm at the Anakie Football Club, 5 De Motts Rd, Anakie.

Tickets are $10 or $30 per family and people can also donate to Wattsy’s Big Bash through money transfer to BSB 633 000, account 168529006.