Former Leage of Ireland player told Jonathan Healy that the Irish Cancer Society' was a huge support during his cancer journey.

Former League of Ireland player Colin Hawkins told Jonathan Healy on The Claire Byrne Show that the Irish Cancer Society's available supports "changed everything". 

Speaking ahead of Daffodil Day, Hawkins, who has been diagnosed twice encouraged donations to the society.

Daffodil Day is on Friday March 20 this year and is Irish Cancer Society’s biggest fundraising drive of the year to provide support to those on a cancer journey. 

One in two people are likely to get a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, the likelihood used to be 1 in 3. 

Every three minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer in Ireland. 

The former Shamrock Rovers player told Healy that doctors initially thought his cancer was a viral infection. 

“They thought it was a follow on from COVID but I knew it was more than that because I had a lot of pain and it was moving around my body. 

“There was maybe a little bit of relief because I knew there was something going on because I was in so much pain.”

He said hearing his formal diagnosis was a “big shock” but that he remained a very positive person. 

Immediately after he received his diagnosis he was put on bed rest and told that while there was no cure for the kind of cancer he had contracted, there was treatment. 

Daffodil Day. Irish Cancer Society

“You think the worst”, he added. 

“Straight away they told me my treatment plan which was six months of really strong chemotherapy leading up to a stem cell transplant then in July.”

Hawkins told Newstalk the toughest part was telling his wife and children about his illness. 

“It was very tough telling them, obviously telling my wife  Elaine because she's a big worrier. Telling her was really difficult. I knew she'd take it tougher than I did”, he explained. 

Jonathan Healy was told of the unbelievably difficult moment when Colin Hawkin’s wife Elaine was diagnosed shortly after he was in remission. 

“It was another kick to the stomach”, he said. 

He explained that despite its early detection the cancer needed to be dealt with aggressively. 

He praised Irish Cancer Society initiatives like driver support which drive patients to and from chemotherapy sessions and bring social support. 

“That might sound like a small thing. But like it is just such a massive support.

“There’s about 1800 people who have put up their hands to do it. If more people put their hands up, then these other people would have to do less driving.

“But I've met 30 or 40 amazing people that have picked me up over the different Thursdays and Fridays for treatment. It’s been huge for me.”

The Irish Cancer Society also has mental health supports available to patients and family. 

A nurse with a patient. Picture by: Matthew Horwood.

“I didn't think I needed it. I didn't think my children needed it. 

“But then last October, everything got on top of me a little bit. I was off work and I was finding it difficult at home. I perked up again just by getting that bit of support.

“Just sitting down with someone and just talking through everything really helped me.”

He added that ‘every penny counts’ for supporting cancer treatment. 

Main Image: Daffodil Day. Photo: Leah Farrell.