Cooper Wynne has brought the whole town of Nyngan together in the most beautiful yet heartbreaking way.

13-year-old Cooper was your average larrikin of a kid, he loved footy, hanging out with his friends, with the world at his feet when suddenly he found himself at Westmead Children’s Hospital diagnosed with life threatening cancer.

From that day forward, Cooper fought like a true Nyngan Tiger, tough and hard.

With round upon round of chemotherapy and operations, with each passing day the small town of Nyngan collectively willed for Cooper to beat his cancer.

The local community dug in and many organisations within the town raised funds for the family, so they could be together to support Cooper.

Among them were all the local sporting clubs, Nyngan branch of Can Assist, Duck Creek Picnic Race committee, Big Boar Bonanza organisers, Nyngan Tigers, Nyngan RSL and Bowling Club, Nyngan Golf Club and many other individuals and small businesses who donated via a go fund me page.

All set for the races with Dad John as part of a Children's Cancer initiative, Cooper spent 1030 nights at Ronald McDonald House. [Image D.Wynne]

“The Nyngan community has gone above and beyond for our family during this time, and we can never repay their kindness, generosity and undying support to John, myself, and our daughters Karvelle and Ebony and extended family,” said Cooper’s mum Dianne.

“Cooper was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer on 1st November 2021 after a football injury.

“Cooper started chemo and many rounds of surgery followed in attempts to remove the tumour, and Cooper had to learn to walk again."

Cooper set for his Year 12 graduation in November last year looking dapper. [Image D.Wynne}

After 14 months Cooper was finally cancer free, until a routine scan showed a relapse in the sternum.

“After 15 excruciating rounds of chemo, Cooper was cancer free for a short time when the cancer returned to his spinal cord, which was so aggressive it had already spread to his brain and he passed away on the 14^th of December 2025, finally free from pain," said Dianne.

Wherever he went he brought the fun. [Image D.Wynne]

Cooper’s dad John said he is just so proud of the young man Cooper was and the way he handled himself during his illness.

“While in hospital going through treatment Cooper would volunteer his time to help other patients and families during their first diagnosis, to help them understand what their children were going through and what they would experience based off his own.

“He was my boy and my heart, we will always miss him, but we are just so proud of the young man he became along this hard and painful journey,” said John.

Lyn Webster, President Nyngan Can Assist Branch part of the team who assisted the family says Cooper was a brave boy. [Image A.White]

Lyn Webster, President Nyngan Can Assist Branch, said the Nyngan Community wrapped the Wynne family in a cocoon of love and support showing the true meaning of small communities and the generous people who live in them.

“Nyngan is a small community where people actually care about each other, so when Cooper became unwell the community embraced him and his family and followed his journey for four years hoping for a positive outcome.

“When that wasn’t to be they felt the pain as well.

“Cooper was a very brave young man and will never be forgotten,” said Ms Webster.

Cooper at Westmead Children's Hospital. [Image D.Wynne].

"Throughout the pain, difficulties and time away from home, he always had the biggest smile on his face, his ability to overcome the tough situations, showed how strong of a person he was," said his friends Brad and Lani.

"The attitude Cooper had to life will forever leave a lasting mark on our hearts, to call Coop our best mate is an honour and a privilege and something we will forever look back and cherish with our whole hearts," said Brad.

Brad Fitzalan and Cooper at Ronald McDonald House. [Image D.Wynne]

One Nyngan resident summed it up.

“Cooper inspired us all to be better, kinder, stronger and to realise the value of community and love.

"He has taught us all valuable lessons; his legacy will live on.”

Cooper will be laid to rest today, Wednesday 14 January in a graveside service in Nyngan at 10am.