Comedian and TV star Darren Sanders is in hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.
The 57-year-old showbusiness veteran and former Studio 10 star is currently undergoing emergency treatment for acute promyelocytic leukaemia.
Darren’s wife, Robyn Linkhorn, announced online that the couple have started a GoFundMe page to help raise $40,000 to cover living costs.
Supporters had already contributed an impressive $25,526 by Tuesday, after the page went live on the crowdfunding platform two days ago.
The unexpected illness has thrown their lives into chaos, with Darren likely unable to return to work for many months, she said.
Robyn, founder of Compass Pilates, reached out to followers via Instagram and included an emotional message in her post.
Comedian and TV star Darren Sanders, 57, is in hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer
‘This is hard to share, but I’m asking,’ she began.
Robyn said Darren’s health drama began two weeks ago after the funny man suspected he was suffering from a bout of tonsillitis.
She continued: ‘He’s currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He started chemo on the second day we were here, and treatment will be ongoing for the next few months.
‘Everything has stopped overnight. Darren can’t work, there’s no gigs, and no income while he goes through this.
‘If you know Darren, you know how much he gives. Through his comedy, his time, and the way he shows up for people. Now we need a bit of help.
‘I’ve set up a GoFundMe to take some of the financial pressure off while he focuses on treatment and recovery.
‘If you’re able to contribute, thank you. If not, sharing this means just as much.’
Darren shared his thanks on the health update, posting: ‘Bloody overwhelmed and grateful and hope you can all understand I see all and can’t respond to each and every one, but I feel your support.’
Join the discussion
Should more support be available for entertainers facing sudden health crises like Darren’s?
Darren’s wife, Robyn Linkhorn, announced online that the couple have started a GoFundMe page to help raise $40,000 to cover living costs
Darren, who began his stand-up career over 30 years ago, is well known to TV viewers for his appearances on Rove Live, and In Melbourne Tonight
Former Big Brother host Gretel Killeen responded: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this.
‘Darren is a fabulous man. Sending you both lots of love. Fantastic, you have the GoFundMe page – happy to help. Xx.’
Comedian and 2019 Married At First Sight groom Ryan Gallagher also sent a message of support: ‘Ah s***, sorry to bloody hear Darren.’
‘This sucks, man,’ shared Australian actor Mike Goldsmith, on Robyn’s post, and added: ‘Hopefully, he gets through it with a stack of new material. Just shared and donated x.’
Darren, who began his stand-up career over 30 years ago, is well known to TV viewers for his appearances on Rove Live, and In Melbourne Tonight.
He also appeared in Underbelly: The Golden Mile in 2010 and had a regular role in season 5 of A Place To Call Home.
.