GIVING CANCER THE BOOT

Simone is supporting her Socceroo son Kye in Qatar this week - and celebrating her own win

He's the Socceroos' next big thing, and at just 24, Aussie superstar Kye Rowles has every reason to celebrate. The talented defender can't wait to make his 2022 FIFA World Cup debut this week in Qatar, knowing his biggest fan, mum Simone, will be in the stands cheering him on.

"When he called to tell us he'd been selected, in his usual humble way, he was just as excited for his teammates who also made the cut," the proud mum shares with Woman's Day just days out from one of the world's biggest sporting events.

It's been the family's heartbreaking off-field story that makes Kye's journey that much more special. Born in Kiama, NSW, and growing up on the Gold Coast, his entire world would come crashing down after his beloved mum Simone was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

FAMILY INSPIRATION

"It was November 11, 2020, and Kye was in camp with the Olyroos [the Australian under-23 squad]. It was certainly a day to remember - for all the wrong reasons," the 51-year-old mum-of-three shares from her Tweed Heads home.

"The one thing I never wanted after I was diagnosed was for him to throw it in after all his hard work.