Sean from Newtonabbey in Belfast, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in February 2021 when he was just 22. A keen footballer and into fitness, Sean noticed something wasn’t right when he was working out. He talks of the importance of social worker support for his cancer journey. “Mentally and physically, it ran me into the ground, but I kept strong.”

“My life just turned upside down within a heartbeat. Once you hear that word I just froze. I was taken into hospital the following Monday.”

Sean faced six months of chemotherapy and said his family and girlfriend helped get him through it all.

“Mentally it was tough, I was with a psychologist and stuff. I couldn’t have done it without a stranger to talk to.”

“When I went to Antrim Area Hospital to meet doctors, my Young Lives vs Cancer social worker was there for me from the word go. She got me grants for financial support if I needed it, and was a support barrier who was always there. She would visit me on treatment days and it was fantastic to have her beside me and so helpful.

Sean said: “Sport and fitness are my everything, I love sport and football, and now I am living the dream feeling healthy and strong again – and wanting to give back to others and everyone that helped me. I have clients and I’m learning, and living the dream, I never thought this moment would come or see the day.

“My whole dreams and life were shattered and now this is my reality. I feel lucky.”

Think you can beat your local pub rivals? Waiting for an opportunity to show off your skills? Now’s your chance!

Kick for Young Lives vs Cancer brings all of the J D Wetherspoon pubs together for one big football frenzy this September. Pubs will go head to head in these area heats to play for a place in the final in Wembley, where we will crown this year’s national champion.

It’s simple:

• Gather a team of 5-8 players and fill in the registration form. Please note EVERY TEAM MEMBER needs to complete the registration form.
• Start fundraising and head to your local venue on 14^th September (Venues listed on the registration form) and enjoy the glorious game.
• A £12 entry fee will be automatically taken from your payslip in September so you don’t have to even reach into your pocket.
• Each team will have a fundraising target of £251, all pub fundraising between period 1 – 3 will count towards this total fundraising target. £251 is enough to provide a family with a financial hardship grant to help the face the mounting cost of cancer.
• All pubs that sign up will receive an information pack two weeks prior to the event. The registration deadline is 22^nd August 2024.

A note for Republic of Ireland pubs – as your fundraising is for Laura Lynn, we will not deduct a donation of £12 from your salary for Young Lives vs Cancer. Your €12 donation to Laura Lynn will be collected and banked in your pubs ahead of the 14^th September.

We want you on our team

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world (and their family’s) can feel like it’s falling apart. Their anxieties are deep. Their education, mental health and social lives suffer. Their futures feel very uncertain.

Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide tailored emotional, practical and financial support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.

By playing the beautiful game, you’re helping to ensure that children and young people with cancer get the right care and support at the right time.