Westmeath cancer survivor urges community to support Relay For Life

A Westmeath cancer survivor is calling on people across the county to get involved in Relay For Life at Tyrrellspass GAA Club, on September 19.

Tyrellspass man, Peter Yeadon, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018, when a tumour was discovered as he was undergoing treatment for an ulcer. Further tests revealed that Peter had Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that can increase the risk of developing certain cancers, such as bowel.

Commenting on what happened in the lead up to his bowel cancer diagnosis, Peter said: “They took me in for tests and sent me home on a Friday, and I remember the doctor saying to me, ‘Go home, enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you on Wednesday’. Just from the way he said it, I knew it was bad.

“I was 90% sure it was cancer anyway. When the doctor gave me the news, my first question was, ‘Is it operable?’. He said yes, so I said, ‘Great, get it out of me’."

Peter, who is a father-of-one, underwent surgery and had preventative chemotherapy. In 2024, he was declared cancer free and in remission.

Explaining his motivation for taking part in Relay For Life, Peter said: “I’ve lost a lot of family members to cancer including my father, my brother-in-law and my uncle.

“I received some of the best medical care in the world in St Vincent’s and Tullamore and I feel like I’ve been given a second chance.

"People are being diagnosed with cancer all the time, and being involved with Relay For Life means I can help others in the same situation I was in when I got my diagnosis and was going through treatment.

“We’re all in the same boat, so you don’t have to go through cancer on your own. Everyone at Relay For Life has a cancer connection, so we understand. Come down and talk to people.

"Talking about your experience, and hearing from others who’ve been affected by cancer, is so important. There are no stupid questions, and ‘cancer’ isn’t a scary word at Relay," Peter said.

Encouraging people right across Westmeath to take part in their local Relay For Life, Peter said: “It’s an amazing community event, where we remember people we’ve lost to cancer, support those who are affected by cancer, and celebrate survivors.

“The money raised goes to the Irish Cancer Society’s services, which supports people affected by cancer and their families, and it also helps to fuel ground-breaking cancer research. It makes such a big difference to so many people.

“One in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, so it’s important to get behind fundraisers like Relay For Life so these vital services can continue to be there when we need them.

“I’d encourage everyone to get involved in Relay For Life Westmeath. It’s a deeply meaningful event for both cancer survivors and people who have lost loved ones to cancer. It brings communities across Ireland together, all for an amazing cause that truly makes a difference," Peter stated.

Registration is now open for the 24-hour event, which starts at 2pm on September 19, and is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Relay For Life brings the local community together to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost to cancer.

Participants team up and take it in turns to walk through the day and night, with someone always on the move during the 24-hour period.

A key feature of every Relay For Life is the survivors’ lap, where cancer survivors who have lived or are living with cancer are invited to open the event with a special celebratory lap of their local Relay track. A moving Candle of Hope ceremony is one of the main highlights of Relay For Life.

The funds raised at Relay For Life are essential to enable the Irish Cancer Society to provide free, vital support services to people affected by cancer across Ireland and to fuel ground-breaking cancer research.

To register a team for Relay For Life Westmeath, or to buy a candle bag to be displayed as part of the Candle of Hope ceremony, visit www.relayforlife.ie/event/westmeath.