In 2016 the life of a local young boy was turned upside down as he battled with Ewing Sarcoma – a cancer that was discovered by pure chance following a rugby injury. After 18 months of chemotherapy and an amputation below the knee, Conall faced the next battle – to rehabilitate. It was at this time that he came to the attention of the ALF and we were very proud to be able to provide this cycling fanatic with a handbike.
In September 2024 Conall started an aerospace engineering apprenticeship at Ipeco in Rochford and in May this year he completed his first Park Run (having previously completed a bike ride to raise funds for the ALF).
ALF Outreach, Nick Frawley caught up with Conall at the start of June to find out more about his journey. After reluctantly admitting how proud he was with what he has achieved despite the challenges he has faced, the first thing he talked about was the other, longer term impacts of his illness; ”During the fundraising bike ride I noticed I was struggling with my breathing. On further medical examination this turned out to be anxiety and post illness PTSD. With counselling and self-help I have now learnt to manage it and feel it is under control.”
Conall felt so strongly about this unseen side of serious illness that he wants to offer support to other people – especially if it encourages people to discuss the issue. He concluded his chat by saying: “I learnt many lessons through my early experiences, especially that things happen by accident and sometimes that is still for a reason. You have to take hold of every day and make the most of it – don’t sweat the small stuff.”
We are proud to announce that this remarkable young man will be with us at the ALF rugby 10s tournament at Westcliff RFC on 12 July and we would encourage anyone who feels they would benefit from his experience and coping strategies to find him and have a chat – he would be really happy to help others who have or are struggling.