Did you know that Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of cancer which affects the white blood cells, is one of the most common cancers among young people?
Initial symptoms can include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, a fever and chronic fatigue, all symptoms that unfortunately can often be easily mistaken for something less serious.
It's the lack of education around the symptoms and how exactly the cancer manifests itself that has inspired UCD student and cancer patient Emmet Burns to take on an almighty challenge later this month in a bid to raise awareness.
On October 25th Burns is set to lift ten tonnes as part of a charity event which will also aim to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society and St. Vincent's Foundation. The date also just so happens to be exactly five days before his last chemo session.
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"Back in May I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer originating in white blood cells. At this time, I had just got an agent, and was trying my best to get a pro or semi-pro rugby contract in England," Burns explained.
"It was a huge shock and I really needed some kind of inspiring story to get me through it."
"After some frantic Googling, I found an interview with a Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor Joe Batley, who plays for Worcester Warriors, on RugbyPass. I reached out to him on Instagram and he was nice enough to have a call with me, which was really helpful and encouraging. We have been in touch ever since."
"Since my diagnosis, I have been getting chemotherapy every second Friday - which has, to be frank, been a very tough ordeal. But through it all, I have been going to the gym whenever I could, which I think has really helped be through this."
Burns has dubbed this fundraiser 'Emmet's Ten Tonne Challenge'. "The idea is pretty simple, I will lift 10 tonnes during the workout by doing 50 squats, 25 deadlifts and 25 bench press - all at 100kg,"
"During this journey, I was surprised to hear that Hodgkin's Lymphoma is one of the most common types of cancer for young people aged between 15 and 34, with about 150 people diagnosed each year in Ireland. I was also relieved to hear that it is treatable and curable - but I now realise many people my age are not informed about lymphoma.
"In doing this challenge, I hope to increase awareness of Lymphoma among young people in Ireland via an Instagram page I have set up and raise much-needed funds for these great charities. We only launched the event last week and have already raised over 30k, which is absolutely crazy and I'm
To support Emmet with his efforts you can donate here - a huge salute from everyone at LADBible!
Featured Image Credit: iDonate.ieTopics: Ireland