Hearing the words “you have cancer” at 21 is something you can never truly prepare for. At that age, you don’t think it can happen to you… until it does.

I went into hospital to get emergency surgery to get my appendix removed, during surgery they found a stage 4 tumor. We later found out it had spread to my bowel resulting in me getting more surgery to remove part of my small intestine and colon.

Two surgeries, months of recovery, and 14 weeks out of football total, it still doesn’t always feel real. And with years of monitoring still ahead of me, it’s a journey that isn’t over yet. Cancer doesn’t just change your life, it impacts everyone around you. I never truly understood the meaning of “it takes a village” until I needed mine. The love, support, and strength from everyone around me, I will always be grateful.

Even with a positive mindset, it was petrifying, the waiting, the uncertainty, the fear of what comes next. Being strong doesn’t mean you aren’t scared, it means you keep going despite it.

I’ve signed up for the Dublin Half Marathon and have decided to still attempt it. I won’t be running for a PB, I’ll be running to prove to myself that I can. Cancer affects every person’s life, either directly or indirectly.

I’m raising money to benefit Irish Cancer Society, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Irish Cancer Society: We are a community of patients, survivors, volunteers, supporters, health and social care professionals and researchers. Together we are transforming the experiences and outcomes of people affected by cancer through our advocacy, support services and research.

https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/about-the-irish-cancer-society/our-mission-and-vision

Thank you for you for making a difference