A Co Donegal cancer survivor has been presented with a prestigious Global Hero of Hope Award.
Suibhan Gillespie who received the award. Pic: Clive Wasson
Suibhan Gillespie was first told she had cancer back in 2001.
But since her successful battle, Suibhan has dedicated a major part of her life in raising funds for research into the disease – including her involvement with Donegal’s Relay for Life.
News of Suibhan’s award was made at a ceremony at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
But modest Suibhan said she was simply accepting the award on all those who have battled the disease and those who have helped them on their journey.
“I certainly do not consider myself a hero but I was happy to accept the award on behalf of the many people who have ben and continue to be on this journey.
“That includes the families of those battling cancer as well as all the wonderful researchers and doctors and nurses who continue to work in the battle against cancer,” she said.
Suibhan also paid tribute to the staff of the oncology unit at Letterkenny General Hospital as well as the Galway Research Unit.
She said she wanted to remind people that the facilities for coping with cancer are much more advanced than they were in recent years.
“Even a thing like the actual journey from Dublin for treatment has changed since I got my treatment. There wasn’t a motorway back then and we had to pass through all the towns like Slane and Ashbourne.
“That has all changed as well as the advances in treatment of course and we will continue to battle against cancer,” she said.
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