The Lurgan community is rallying behind a popular groom-to-be after a shock diagnosis left both him and his fiancée with “unimaginable uncertainty”.
In July of this year – following routine tests and scans after noticing blood in his urine – 28-year-old Conor Magee received the heart-breaking news that he had a tumour on his right kidney.
Weeks later he was dealt a further crushing blow.
Following removal of his effected kidney, the organ was sent for tests. Those tests results revealed an “extremely rare and aggressive cancer” known as synovial sarcoma of the kidney.
In the description of a GoFundMe page that has now been set up by friends – Tiarna, Erin and Shannon-Jo – to support the young man and his soon-to-be wife, Nola, they said: “Since then, Conor has learned that the cancer has spread, and heartbreakingly, chemotherapy has not been working as doctors had hoped. The prognosis is not good.”
The friends explain that Conor and Nola are due to be wed this coming October.
“What should be one of the happiest, most exciting seasons of their lives is now overshadowed by hospital appointments, treatments, and unimaginable uncertainty,” they continued. “They are facing the painful possibility that their wedding may not go ahead as planned due to Conor’s diagnosis, the toll of private treatment, and the financial strain that has followed due to not having any life or critical illness insurance.
“Nola works as a substitute teacher and does not receive sick pay. With ongoing treatment and unavoidable time off work, they are now facing months with little to no income at a time when they need stability the most.”
To ease that burden, the friends ambitiously set up the fundraiser on Wednesday (February 25) with a £5,000 target.
In a remarkable show of support from the local community, it has already surpassed the £18,000 mark and is continuing to steadily climb on an hourly basis.
Erin said: “We set it with the target of £5,000 thinking that would just be great and we woke up the next day and we had reached the target and it kept going we were just like ‘Thank god’. It has just been incredible.”
The monies raised will be used to cover “basic living costs” and support the couple while they are unable to work while also giving them the option to “pursue any private treatments that may offer hope further a field”.
“This journey has put everything into perspective nothing matters more than your loved ones and your health,” said the friends. “As they take each day as it comes and try to hold onto positivity, they are also looking beyond home, exploring treatment options in other countries that may offer a chance.
“These possibilities bring hope, but they also come with significant financial costs; from travel and accommodation to consultations and specialist care — adding another heavy burden at an already overwhelming time.”
With the support of generous local businesses the trio have now also organised a Bingo Loco night at Nola’s local Gaelic club, St Peter’s GAC in Lurgan.
Anyone interested in attending the event should watch St Peter’s GAC’s Facebook page for details.
On top of their fundraisers, Commit gym owner, Jonathan McCarron has shown that his gym’s name has weight by making his own commitment to the deeply loved and well respected member.
Jonathan described Conor as being in “peak physical condition”, someone who took on every challenge that came his way.
Speaking to Armagh I, he added: “He’s been a member for three or four years, he was doing half marathons, went to Madrid for Hyrox with us, went to Amsterdam, to Birmingham. Really fit, really active.
“He’s such a good lad. He enjoyed a night out like the rest of us. Just a really good lad.”
Like everyone involved, Jonathan believes Conor has so much to live for and wants to ensure he gets every possible opportunity to do see it through.
For “Big Magee”, he’s now rapidly trying to organise a fitness-related fundraiser that was originally meant to be held in his own gym at Tannaghmore West Road.
But Jonathan says plans have already “outgrown” his gym and he’s now in talks with Focus Strength & Conditioning, Craigavon; Limitless Fitness, Lurgan and Tribe in Moira to host a joint event.
With the bit now firmly between his teeth, Jonathan also has plans to raffle off his own Electric Picnic tickets in conjunction with Tommy French. All proceeds of this will also go towards Conor’s fundraiser.
“All you can do is have faith,” said Jonathan.
If anyone can help organise further fundraisers, make donations either of money or items for raffle please contact Jonathan on 07783 000962.
All support no matter how big or small is being gratefully received to give Conor the best fighting chance!
You can also make a contribution to the GoFundMe page here.
