A CO Down Gaelic footballer battling cancer has described how she is "overwhelmed and grateful" for the support she has received for a major fundraising drive to help her access potentially life-prolonging drugs.
Siobhan McCann from Clanvaraghan, near Castlewellan, is trying to raise £100,000 to pay for a drug called Bevacizumab (Avastin), which is not available on the NHS.
The 26-year-old, who has played football with St John's, Drumnaquoile since the age of five and represented her county from under 16 through to senior level, has described how she is facing the "toughest opponent of my life".
Living and working in London for Kane Group Building Services in London when she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in April, she was also playing Gaelic for Dulwich Harps, playing tag rugby and was the physio for Fulham Irish.
Returning home to Co Down, she began 25 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and was due to have surgery in July to remove the tumour when she was hit with more devastating news.
Doctors told her the cancer had spread to her liver and surgery was no longer an option.
Since then her family and friends have researched different treatments to prolong her life and following consultation with her oncologist, it was found that Bevacizumab (Avastin) was the most suitable cancer drug to go along with her current treatment.
Ms McCann, who also played for Loughinisland GAC, has said she hoped the drug "will prolong her life and hopefully reduce the tumour size" making it possible for her to have surgery.
However, its cost means it is not available on the NHS, prompting the launch of a major fundraising campaign to help self-fund the money needed.
With almost £60,000 already raised, a special fundraising day entitled, Help Beat Siobhan's Toughest Opponent, will be held in Co Down on Saturday attracting clubs all over Ireland and Britain.
Almost 30 teams will descend on St John's Club, Drumnaquoile and Castlewellan GAC where a ladies' sevens tournament will take place as well as a coffee morning, live music and auction.
Money raised will go towards as many cycles of the treatment as possible.
Ms McCann said "there are not enough words" to describe how she feels for the support she has received.
"I am very overwhelmed and grateful for all the help, love and support," she said.
"It is unbelievable how friends, family and communities can come together."
See Help Beat Siobhans Toughest Opponent on Facebook or visit the gofundme page.
