Ryan’s Special Day story

Before my brain tumour I had been living the carefree life of a student enjoying the independence of living away from home and studying at university.

As soon as I was diagnosed everything in my life instantly changed. I endured two sessions of major surgery and the hard realities of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I desperately needed something to keep my spirits up.

When I look back at the year I had cancer I now have positive lasting memories of my day to focus on. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life so far.

Ryan, 22, living with brain cancer

When my medical professional at the Christie Hospital, Manchester, told me about the Willow Foundation suddenly there was one good thing that changed for the better; I couldn’t believe this wonderful charity existed. It gave me something else to think about. Having something positive to look forward to kept me focused throughout treatment.

I have always admired Graham Linehan’s work and had been an aspiring writer for years. Despite my illness, when the charity called to say they had arranged for me to meet Graham I felt enthused and had a new lust for life and my writing.

I met Graham during the filming of a Father Ted documentary. He was one of nicest guys you could ever meet. I took along some scripts of my own to show Graham and he couldn’t have been more supportive. Meeting Graham made me think about something else other than cancer. I feel more inspired to write now than ever before.

My whole day was exactly what I needed at that time. When I look back at the year I had cancer I now have positive lasting memories of my day to focus on and this was one of the greatest experiences of my life so far.