The nine-word vow AFL star Jeremy Finlayson made to wife Kellie one month after their lives changed forever after a devastating diagnosis
Back in 2021, Jeremy and Kellie Finlayson had just become first-time parents to daughter Sophia when their life was thrown off kilter with a heartbreaking discovery.
At just 25 years old, and with a three-month-old daughter, Kellie was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer, which soon changed to stage four, and later metastasized to her lungs.
"I truly thought cancer, and particularly bowel cancer, was an old person's disease," she said in a post for the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation, of which she is an ambassador.
Since her devastating diagnosis, Kellie has dedicated herself to sharing her health journey and raising awareness.
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Behind the scenes, there's been one special person holding her hand through all the ups and downs of her terminal illness: her husband, footy star Jeremy Finlayson, 29.
"We've had one hell of a journey so far and I know this next year is going to be tough but we will always be by your side through everything," Jeremy vowed while marking his partner's birthday on Instagram, one month after her life-changing diagnosis.
"You are such an incredible mum to our girl and thanks for always making us smile even when we can be a little upset."
He added in another public message to his partner: "The strongest woman I know. I love you more than life itself, you beautiful, inspiring supermum."
In an Instagram health update months later, Kellie said: "Though I am considered one of the unlucky ones, I genuinely feel so lucky to have the people that I do in my corner."
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"It makes riding the waves so much easier!"
Seven months on from her diagnosis, Kellie and Jeremy had some happy news to share.
The couple took to Instagram in June 2022 to announce they were engaged.
Jeremy had got down on one knee while on a beach walk with his two girls.
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But later that year, Kellie faced a hurdle in her health journey.
After seeking medical treatment in December for a tightness in her chest, doctors went on to discover the cancer had metastasized and spread to her lungs.
With news she would need to resume chemotherapy treatment, Kellie and Jeremy decided to bring their wedding forward and have it beforehand.
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So, surrounded by their nearest and dearest, the pair said 'I do' in a stunning oceanside ceremony at South Australia's Tennyson Beach in March 2023.
Kellie stunned in a strapless white gown with a veil fashioned in her elegant up-do. Meanwhile her footy star husband looked dapper in a suit.
"It was everything and more we'd ever dreamed of. I couldn't have asked for a better day," the bride told Woman's Day.
In a personal addition to their special day, the pair wrote personalised vows.
"It was so special to be able to read them in front of our friends and family… everyone was stoked to see us get married after everything we've dealt with in the past 18 months."
Posting an emotional video from their special day, Kellie said "there wasn't a dry eye."
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"Obviously with anything in the public eye there's ups and downs, but without the bad days we wouldn't be able to appreciate the good ones," Kellie told 9Honey in an exclusive interview.
Over the past couple of years, the pair have continued to share glimpses into their life as a family-of-three with photos from Christmas, birthday celebrations and vacations.
They even met superstar Ed Sheeran when he was out touring Australia in 2023.
"To see the smile on Kell's face last night, on a chemo day, was just out of this world special," Jeremy captioned a photo of them backstage with the Give Me Love singer.
In March 2025, Kellie revealed she was spending their second wedding anniversary in hospital amid her stage four cancer battle.
The 29-year-old shared a photo from her hospital bed with a message for her hubby.
"Happy anniversary darl. Two years ago V. Today!"
Kellie later revealed the reason for her hospital stay was for a resection.
In an optimistic update, she told her followers she was feeling "so fine" after the surgery.
She said, "I'll take the wins when I can get them in this never-ending experience."
For cancer information and support call Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support line.
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