By Lisa Ramsden
ALMOST £107,000 has been raised in less than a week for a young Warrenpoint father-of-three who has been diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of brain cancer.
Paul Collins was enjoying life to the full but on 30 April he collapsed at home, having suddenly lost his sight and suffered a debilitating headache.
Overnight, his and his family’s world came crashing down and, just 24 hours after being admitted to hospital, he received a diagnosis no one wants to hear. He has what is known as glioblastoma.
Paul is married to Donna, and they have three beautiful daughters: Millie (4), Caryl (3) and Sadie (2).
Ten weeks after the shock news, and while he undergoes chemotherapy and radiotherapy in Belfast, his family and friends have been frantically exploring every possible avenue in a bid to give Paul the best care.
During these countless hours of research, reading up on other patients’ stories, one of his sisters, Collette McLoughlin, learned about a revolutionary treatment being offered at a clinic in Germany. The team there will develop a bespoke therapy for 42-year-old Paul – a personalised immunotherapy – to help his body battle the fast-growing tumour.
The fundraiser, which can be found on GoFundMe.com, has so far received more than 1,200 donations, including several anonymous and substantial contributions, the largest of which exceeds £8,500.
In addition, several other fundraising events have also been organised, including a swim at Cranfield which took place last night in support of the campaign.
The fundraising appeal was launched by his close friend and cycling team-mate, Declan McConville, just last week.
The overwhelming support from the community, including the many anonymous donors, reflects the high regard in which Paul is held.
In the full story read more about the special therapy that Paul will receive in his battle with cancer.
