Profile: Chris, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor

"I battled an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer twice between 2015 and 2017. It was in hospital while I was undergoing treatment that I promised myself that when I beat cancer and got better, I would organise an event to bring people together to have fun, and to support each other for a great cause. I wanted to create a positive experience out of the most difficult battle I will ever face. I had to go through it all - the chemotherapy, the radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. I wanted to show people around the country that no matter how difficult life can get, there is always hope, and to never give up.

I was always going to combine my event with my love for running, especially seeing as running was a huge part of what helped me through my battle with cancer. It’s what kept me motivated, what kept me determined to beat this. I was a keen marathon runner when I was diagnosed, and all I wanted was to beat cancer so that I could once again put on my runners and head out for a run.

On the 28th of July this summer I held the Never Give Up 5k/10k fun run and walk in my home village of Inch, Gorey, Co.Wexford, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. It was a hugely special occasion for me as it took place on the two-year anniversary of my all clear from cancer.

More importantly, it was a special occasion for so many other people who have been affected not just by cancer, but by other mental or physical journeys. 700 people took part in the event and we managed to raise an incredible €19,314.78 while having fun and supporting each other, all to benefit the Irish Cancer Society and to support the fight against cancer. I am so proud to have been able to give something back to such a wonderfully helpful and supportive organisation.

A huge thank you to every single person that was involved in the event, and to every single person who helped keep me on my feet throughout my battles. Never Give Up."

Thank you so much to Chris Proby of Gorey for sharing his story, and for organising such an incredible fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society. September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and our aim is to #MakeBloodCancerVisible through stories like Chris's. Find out more about blood cancers: https://www.cancer.ie/reduce-your-risk/health-education/cancer-awarenes….