Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon

On the 19th of September Stephen Brady Mcginn was first admitted to hospital to receive a brain scan after complaints of headaches. Soon after in October of 2016 Stephen was flown to Liverpool and underwent brain surgery on the 6th of October at Alder Hey Hospital. On the 19th of January 2016 Stephen was officially diagnosed with a very rare Craniopharyngioma brain tumour. 

Those who know Stephen know that sports has always been a major part of his life having been part of various gaelic, hurling and football teams. During recovery, Stephens mobility decreased and he gained a significant amount of weight. He currently suffers from Hypothalamic obesity, Diabetes insipidus and Panhypopituitarism to name a few.

Despite this, he pushes past every hurdle placed in front of him, striving harder and harder each day to build his strength and all with a smile on his face. No challenge was too much. Stephen has came so far having lost the weight and built his stamina and fitness back up.

In February 2019, Stephens family received news following a further brain scan that Stephen's tumour had yet again returned. He would go on to have another brain surgery to remove the tumour. The operation was sucessful, and since then Stephen has came on leaps and bounds in his recovery, attending regular hospital appointments to monitor his lifelong medication and scans to predict any further growths. Each day presents a new struggle for Stephen, but he is ready to face it all.

Despite having very little school time in comparison to his peers due to hospital appointments, operations and recovery, Stephen still managed to gain outstanding GCSE results and being achieving top candidate in Northern Ireland in GCSE Irish achieving an A* and being invited to an award ceremony by CCEA. Stephen now continues to pursue his hope of entering the medical field, studying A-Levels in Science and Gaeilge. Stephen is an inspiration and role model to others in his position. He is proof that hard work and resilience pays off. There are no limits to the possibilities.

Stephen will be in and out of medical care for the rest of his life, but he has proved that this will not hinder him in his journey through life.

There are not many charity's out there that focus specifically on children with brain tumours. Which is why The Indee Rose Trust is so special. The Indee Rose Trust is a charitable trust founded in July 2009. Their aim is to help children and their families who have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal tumour. They provide Treasure Boxes to children who have been hospitalised whilst receiving treatment for a brain or spinal tumour. A wonderful box of treats created especially for the child. They also provide a one off grant to help the family at this difficult time.

A few years ago, after his first brain surgery, Stephen received his treasure box along with personal videos from some of his favourite footballers. Not only did this make him happy beyond belief, but it gave him back his confidence. This encouragement was motivating for him to continue working hard in his recovery. This charity is very special to Stephen as he wishes to help The Indee Rose Trust provide this kind of recognition and encouragement for as many children as possible. 

On the 17th of September Stephen's family, Rachel Brady and Pearse Lynch, will be running the Mash Direct Belfast City Half Marathon in aid of The Indee Rose Trust. No donation is too small. Every penny helps in giving the charity the tools to expand and put smiles on the face's of many others like Stephen.