Friends to run marathon for the benefit of Niall

Former Meath and Simonstown footballer Niall Kane has been quietly battling cancer for the last 18 months and now a GoFundMe page has been set up by his friends to help the extremely talented wing-back ease financial burdens and get additional treatment when needed.

As part of the fundraising drive some of Niall's friends, including Paul Donnellan, Niamh Kennedy, Catriona Kennedy, Jack Donnellan, Sean Tobin, Michael Hand, Paddy Cooke, Enda Kennedy and Peter Collins, are going to run the Barcelona marathon in March and are inviting donations to the GoFundMe page

"In March this year a group of us will run the 2024 Barcelona Marathon in support of and in memory of family and friends who have been impacted by cancer," wrote Donnellan who has set up the page on behalf of Niall.

"Each year in Ireland over 40,000 people are diagnosed with some form of cancer. Cancer is a formidable opponent that has touched the lives of many, including our family and friends. It has no boundaries and can impact anyone at any time.

"As a group, we are are gathering funds which will go directly towards a friend of ours, who is currently going through their journey and to support them with their cancer treatment.

"Over the coming months, we ask for your generosity and support by asking you to consider making a donation, to help us reach our fundraising goal. Thank you for your support."

Niall's club Simonstown also posted a message in support of their player.

"Our friend and senior player Niall Kane, better known to most as Squealer, has been quietly battling for the last 18 months. Some friends have set up a go fund me page and are running the Barcelona marathon in memory of family and friends who have been impacted by cancer. All the proceeds from this GoFundMe will go to help Niall concentrate on getting better by easing the financial burdens. It will also enable him to get additional treatment when he feels he needs it."

Niall himself has been blown away by the support he has received from the community.

"I'm overwhelmed with the support that I've received over the last 18 months. The power of community is truly amazing and it's been one of my biggest learnings from this journey.

"I learnt very quickly that trying to be the hero and doing everything myself wasn't doing anyone any favours. Learning to ask for help was easier said than done but it's been a life changing lesson.

"The financial support was something I was reluctant to receive but the difference it has made has been huge and I can't thank you all enough.

"Apart from being able to use the money for complementary treatments, it has lifted a burden of stress off my shoulders and that alone has made the biggest difference.

"On several occasions I've been coming down with a flu or infection due to the nature of chemo but I've been able to nip them in the bud by supporting my body with a treatment that I wouldn't otherwise have been able to afford if it wasn't for the money that I've received.

"That's enough for now but like I said already there has been some big lessons learned and I'm happy to share them with anyone who feels the call to reach out even it's just a chat," concluded the Simonstown man.

If you wish to donate to the GoFundMe please click on this link