'We did it' - Donegal man who beat cancer six times says thank you on charity walk

A Donegal man who beat cancer six times decided to give something back on St Patrick’s Day.

Ballyshannon’s Paul McLoone was first diagnosed with cancer in March 2006, exactly 20 years ago. Little did he know then that he would face the disease a further five times in the intervening years, resulting in six separate cancer episodes.

“I was 51 years of age when I received my first diagnosis, and the physical challenges I endured were only matched by the mental torture that comes with a serious illness diagnosis,” Paul says.

“That's why I am so thankful for the help I have received from health professionals, my family, the voluntary sector and most especially from fellow patients, some of whom have since passed away.”

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To mark the occasion, Paul, his wife Marie and daughter Aisling took on the 26km harbour to harbour charity walking challenge on St Patrick's Day, commencing in Howth and finishing in Dun Laoghaire.

The event was organised to raise money for AWARE, who provide support and education for people throughout Ireland who experience mental health difficulties

“In the past 20 years, I have received counselling, psychiatric and psychological support, and without it, I don't know how I would have survived,” Paul adds.

“The biggest mental health challenge I faced was the loss of fellow patients along the way. You form a very strong bond with people encountering the same difficulties as yourself, and when they don't make it, well, it simply breaks your heart.

“The empathy they showed to me was quite remarkable, their understanding, kindness, respect and consideration are something I will carry in my heart forever. The golden rule of empathy is to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself, and I hope in their honour that I pass on these values and attributes to fellow patients in the coming years.

“There is no doubt in my mind that I would not have survived if it were not for the help of others. Every bit of help I received was based here in the North West, either in Donegal or Sligo. The people working in our region in both the statutory and voluntary sectors are just brilliant; their intervention in my case was life-changing and eventually actually saved my life.

“My message is simple: After 20 years of enduring this illness, if you are having difficulties, please reach out for help. There are no guarantees in this life, but the assistance I received here in the North West was second to none. Hopefully, just like myself, many of you will experience successful interventions after an early diagnosis and the survival rate in our region will continue to increase.”