Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit THE IRISH KIDNEY ASSOCIATION , and any donation will help make an impact.

In October, what seemed like a routine blood test for a 43 year old showed that one of my kidney markers, eGFR, was significantly abnormal. My GP asked me to repeat the blood tests eight weeks later. At the end of November, the results hadn't improved, so the next step was an ultrasound.

At the time, I felt completely healthy. I was training hard for a TRYKA relay with my wife Carmel, my sister-in-law, and my brother-in-law, and I had no reason to think anything was seriously wrong.

I had the ultrasound on the Friday of the February Bank Holiday weekend and completed the TRYKA relay on Sunday, February 1st. A few days later, everything changed.

My GP called and asked me to come into the practice. He explained that the ultrasound had found a mass on my left kidney. The following day I underwent two CT scans, and by Friday I received the news that no one expects to hear: I had renal cancer and a large tumour on my left kidney.

What followed was a whirlwind of appointments, scans, tests, and meetings with the incredible team in the Mater Hospital. Thankfully, on March 3rd, I underwent surgery and had a successful partial nephrectomy. The surgeons removed the entire tumour while preserving part of my kidney.

Throughout the whole journey, I was carried by the love and support of my wife Carmel, my two sons, my family, and my friends. Their positivity, encouragement, and belief in me helped me through some of the most difficult moments of my life.

Today, I am incredibly grateful. Grateful for early detection, grateful for the healthcare professionals who looked after me, and grateful for the support network that helped me keep going.

To celebrate recovery, raise awareness, and give something back, I have signed up to compete in TRYKA on 04July. This challenge represents far more than fitness for me. It is a chance to prove to myself what is possible after cancer, to raise funds for a cause close to my heart, and to hopefully help others facing similar battles.

If you are able to support this fundraiser, no matter how small the contribution, I would be hugely grateful. Every donation will help make a difference, and every message of support will help carry me across the finish line.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of this journey.

"Half a Kidney, Whole Heart."