A number of fundraising initiatives have been set-up in support of 23-year-old Co Monaghan lad, Fearghal Clerkin. Fearghal was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer as a result of having a Wilms Tumour when he was only 4-years-old, a type of Kidney cancer that mainly affects children. In support of the popular Threemilehouse native, his friends have set up an Instagram page and a GoFundMe page in order to raise money for research into Wilms Tumours in adults which has a rare occurrence of 3%.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Fearghal’s mother Aisling Clerkin said the family are "overwhelmed" by the support Fearghal has received. As a result of just some of the fundraising efforts, over 30 of Fearghal’s friends recently took part in a charity head shave in solidarity with the 23-year-old. "We are so so proud of Fearghal," explained Aisling. "He is so focused and always has been. Every goal he has set in his life he has achieved it and the goal of overcoming this diagnosis will be no different.
"Fearghal has a very positive mental attitude. He has such resilience and everyday he is getting up and picking himself up despite all of the needles, the side effects to treatment and the chemotherapy. He’s taking one day at a time and I think that’s a very important message to give to everyone. We all have to take one day at a time and we can only control the moment and I think Fearghal is testament to that mantra.” To show their solidarity, Fearghal's friends are raising money through recent initiates like the charity head shave, with the aim of raising awareness and making a hefty donation to the St James Foundation for Research on Wilms Tumours. To donate to this cause, you can donate via; https://www.gofundme.com/f/stjames-foundation-research-for-wilms-tumours
