Back in July, two of our closest friends received news that no 28 year old should ever have to hear.

After some routine tests for blood in his urine, Conor was sent for scans. Those scans revealed a tumour on his right kidney. Within a matter of weeks, he underwent surgery to remove the kidney, believing this would be the beginning of his recovery and a return to normal life.

Instead, it was the start of a much harder road.

The results confirmed an extremely rare and aggressive cancer — synovial sarcoma of the kidney. Since then, Conor has learned that the cancer has spread, and heartbreakingly, chemotherapy has not been working as doctors had hoped. The prognosis is not good.

At just 28 years old, this is a reality no couple especially one preparing to say I do should ever have to face. Conor and Nola are due to be married this October. What should be one of the happiest, most exciting seasons of their lives is now overshadowed by hospital appointments, treatments, and unimaginable uncertainty. They are facing the painful possibility that their wedding may not go ahead as planned due to Conor’s diagnosis, the toll of private treatment, and the financial strain that has followed due to not having any life or critical illness insurance.

Nola works as a substitute teacher and does not receive sick pay. With ongoing treatment and unavoidable time off work, they are now facing months with little to no income at a time when they need stability the most.

For that reason, we are starting a GoFundMe to help ease the burden — to cover basic living costs, support them while they are unable to work, and give them the option to pursue any private treatments that may offer hope further a field.

This journey has put everything into perspective nothing matters more than your loved ones and your health. As they take each day as it comes and try to hold onto positivity, they are also looking beyond home, exploring treatment options in other countries that may offer a chance. These possibilities bring hope, but they also come with significant financial costs; from travel and accommodation to consultations and specialist care — adding another heavy burden at an already overwhelming time.

We are asking you to come together as a community to help in any way at all to support Nola and Conor in these devastating circumstances.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Your support means more than words could ever express.

Tiarna, Erin & Shannon-Jo x