Anthony thought he had indigestion after dinner. Now he's been dealt the worst news imaginable

A Queensland family's lives have been thrown into turmoil and desperate worry after a devastating diagnosis. 

Anthony Anderson,from Mackay,felt a pain in his stomach after dinner one night,but what could have been indigestion turned out to be the worst possible news.

Just three weeks ago,Mr Anderson,who is a volunteer rugby league referee,learned that he had stage four bowel cancer and a secondary tumour in his brain.

The air force veteran had just started a new job and was enjoying life with his partner Madi Jeffries and their children Hallie,4 and Ollie,6.

'My biggest message to anyone is go and get tested,bowel cancer is a silent killer,' Ms Jeffries told the Townsville Bulletin.

To help the family,friend Emma Price has set up a GoFundMe as 'Anthony's diagnosis has put a tremendous financial strain on (them)'.

'The costs of medical treatments,hospital visits and other associated expenses are high,' Ms Price wrote on the fundraiser page. 

'On top of that,the cost of living continues to be a challenge as the family tries to maintain some sense of normalcy for their young children.'

Mr Anderson (pictured) felt a pain in his stomach after dinner one night. It turned out to be cancer

All funds raised will help pay for Mr Anderson's medical treatments,the family's living expenses while the couple is unable to work and support for their children. 

In an update on her partner's condition,Ms Jeffries wrote 'And just like that Anthony has been taken off to what will probably big his biggest hurdle in this journey. 

'Today Anthony undergoes surgery on his brain to remove a secondary tumour … not something I thought I'd ever have to say but here we are.

'So now we wait to know he's on the other side and safe. In the words of his cap… F*** CANCER!'

Queensland