Ormeau Road man’s mammoth marathon challenge after son’s brain tumor diagnosed

A Belfast man will run six marathons this year to raise money for a charity that has helped his family since his son was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Paul Boyle’s teenage son Sean was diagnosed with cancer last year after repeatedly experiencing dizziness and seeking medical help.

Shaun, who lives on the road to the pit, was only 16 years old when he was told the devastating news and now the talented GAA player is unable to walk.

Speaking on Belfast Live, his father said: ‘My son started experiencing symptoms around July, including dizziness. We took him to the doctors and at first thought Sean was dizzy, but we came back a few months later.

“They tried another medication and it didn’t work, so we basically asked for further evaluation and Sean was referred to a specialist within a week. We were really surprised by this because there was a lot of pressure on the NHS, we thought we were going to do it. Wait a long time.

“He was examined for a week and then operated on the following week after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. We were very impressed by the medical teams.

In November he was diagnosed with cancer and made a recovery. She underwent extensive radiotherapy and is now undergoing chemotherapy. I still can’t walk. At first he could not speak and could not swallow, but now he brought them back.

Hopefully, he’ll complete his chemotherapy in June or July.

Shawn’s story is actually very similar to that of Matthew Bell, an Irish hockey player. Matthew just played hockey after the doctors didn’t know if he would walk again. Matthew’s story gives us hope for our son.

“It was hard for Sean not to walk. He previously played with Harling and Gaelic Football at Bredagh GAC which helped us a lot.

“We are very proud of Sean. He is a very strong young man and simply wonderful.”

Paul will run six different marathons in six months and the proceeds will go to the Children’s Cancer Management Charity.

The Children’s Cancer Management charity supports the work of the medical team and staff in the Children’s Cancer Department at the Royal Children’s Hospital Belfast and continues to assist the Boyle family in Shaun’s recovery.

More than 5,000 5,000 were collected last week from friends, family and strangers who were inspired by Sean’s story.

“When your child is diagnosed with cancer, it’s devastating,” Ball added.

“The whole world is collapsing around you. You think you are the only one experiencing this.

While you are at Children’s Hospital, in the cancer ward, you will meet other parents who have this problem. The support of the families here is incredible. The rooms are designed for families to prepare dishes. It is simply wonderful.

“We are really amazed at the support from everyone. The medical team is amazing, the support team, the ambulance driver is actually Sean’s best friend now, call every day to see him. Everyone did their best.”

To do that, next week I will run the Boston Marathon, the Belfast Marathon in May, Derry in September, Dublin in October, and then last time in November in New York.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to raise awareness for the charity because they are now so close to home. I want to educate them and come back. I run a marathon with a bang on my head, it’s unusual but eye-catching!”

“We’ll keep collecting this fund until I finish my last marathon in November. We’re only saving for a week and we’re over 5,000 yen. We encourage people to keep donating, there are no restrictions.”

“We have been shocked by the response so far and would like to thank everyone who has made a donation, large or small.

To donate to the Paul Foundation for CCUC Fundraising, follow the link here.