A CASTLE DAWSON man who survived blood cancer twice has become one of the faces of a new awareness campaign.
Craig Mawhinney was unveiled as one of eight blood cancer survivors to front local charity Leukaemia and Lymphona NI’s campaign, Empty Chairs.
The campaign will also tell the stories of three people who didn’t survive the deadly disease.
Craig was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in March 2013 when he was just 25 years old.
The Air Conditioning Engineer knew something was wrong when he began to experience pains in his shoulder and an unusual weakness when he was at work on a normal Friday.
Recalling that day, 29 year old Craig said ‘everything happened so fast’.
“I went to work that day but I just wasn’t feeling myself. I was tired and I had a sore shoulder,” he told the County Derry Post.
“At 10 o’clock, I rang my mum and she called the GP. I also rang my partner and she suggested going to A&E to get checked out.
“I went to Antrim Hospital and they took some bloods but at 5.30pm that evening they came back and asked to do my bloods again. By 11.30pm that night, a doctor took me into a side room and explained what they had found and what they thought it was.”
Craig said while the news was devastating, he immediately adopted a positive outlook.
This story is from the 21 February 2017 edition of County Derry Post.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 21 February 2017 edition of County Derry Post.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Dungiven Charity Helps Produce Accessible Heritage Guide
A DUNGIVEN community group has helped produce an innovative accessible heritage book detailing historical sites in the area.
Kevin Wins Big In Us Awards
MAGHERAFELT student Kevin Toner has been named Study USA 'Student of the Year'.
Co Derry Cross-Border Ferry Given No Guidance Over Brexit
STAFF at a Co Derry cross-border ferry say they have still not received any official guidance over Brex it.
New Row PS Pupil's 'Buddy Up'
NEW Row Primary School year 7 pupils have taken on their buddy roles for the rest of the school year.
A Light In The Lives Of All Who Knew Her
Mourners urged to sign-up to organ donation as 11 year-old Aimee Brady dies whilst waiting for a heart
Castledawson Man the Face of Blood Cancer Awareness Campaign
A CASTLE DAWSON man who survived blood cancer twice has become one of the faces of a new awareness campaign.
Maghera Beauty Ditches Makeup in Quest for True Love
FOR some women going out in public wearing no makeup could be considered as their worst nightmare but imagine going on a blind date with no foundation, mascara or lipstick.
Why the Socialist Alternative?
IT is not enough to criticise the Stormont Executive, although criticise them we must for their numerous well documented failings.
Second Public Meeting Held To Discuss Proposed Health Cuts Across Mid Ulster
THE Northern Western Trust has agreed to hold a second public meeting to discuss the future of medical services provision across Mid Ulster.
Youths Using Graveyard As Drinking Den
‘HAVE respect for the deceased’ - that was the message from Magherafelt PSNI after a group of youths were recently caught drinking in a local graveyard.