A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise funds to help prominent Irish language broadcaster Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí fight stage four cancer.
One of the best known broadcasters in Irish language circles, Mr Mac Aodha Bhuí (52) is currently receiving treatment in Spain for colon cancer which has spread to his liver and lungs.
Born in Cork, the broadcaster has spent virtually all of his life in the west Donegal Gweedore Gaeltacht where he presents the afternoon flagship show on Raidio na Gaeltachta. Well-known throughout Northern Ireland, he is also a prominent television journalist and has written for Irish language publications, Anois, Lá and Nós. He has also won awards for his work, including the Celtic Media award for Radio Personality of the Year in 2011 and media awards at the annual Oireachtas na Gaeilge.
First diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019, he has undergone surgery and chemotherapy sessions to deal with the illness. However, he was told last month that no further treatment was available in Ireland and that ongoing chemotherapy was not working.
Earlier this month, he travelled to Spain where he was told that some treatment could be available. He is also investigating other options at clinics abroad. However, it is estimated that the treatment could cost up to €180,000 (£160,000) which he must fund himself.
Appealing for help, friends who established a Gofundme page said: “He has had two major surgeries and around 40 bouts of chemo in the last few years but is now at a stage where cure or surgery is not an option in Ireland.”
Since its launch on Wednesday, the page has raised more than €50,000 (£44,000). The group hopes to raise €120,000 (£106,000) towards Mr Mac Aodha Bhuí treatment costs and has appealed to anyone wishing to donate to do so through the Cista Tacaíochta Rónáin page.
