Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Leukaemia put life on hold but I said I’d get my degree ...no matter what
Shaun graduates 12 months after cancer diagnosis
MAYOBRIDGE YESTERDAY
JUST 12 months after his world was turned upside down due to a cancer diagnosis Shaun Haw can look forward to a bright future.
The Ulster University student was preparing to sit his final year exams when he became unwell.
After he discovered last June he had acute myeloid leukaemia his hopes of completing his degree were put on hold to undergo life-saving treatment.
Fast forward a year and the 23-yearold has graduated with a 2:1 BSC Hons in accounting and advertising.
Shaun said: “It was a very tough time for me and for my family.
“I went from being a normal, healthy young man, playing football and preparing for my final exams, to facing a leukaemia diagnosis. It was a very scary time.
“I didn’t know what to expect. Initially I had hoped I would be able to complete my exams and coursework in hospital but as my treatment progressed it became clear this wouldn’t be possible.
“Everything changed so quickly. It was like my life was put on hold.”
Between last June and January Shaun underwent four rounds of intensive chemotherapy at Belfast City Hospital.
PROUD
Now the man from Mayobridge, Co Down, is in remission and has been given a clean bill of health.
He added: “I was very lucky to benefit from exceptional treatment – the cancer centre in Belfast is world-class and I owe so much to the doctors and nurses there.
“I said I would complete my degree no matter what. When I finished my treatment I got back to work and managed to get a solid 2:1 of which I’m very proud.”
Shaun has joined forces with family, friends from London and even a celebrity supporter in Chelsea footballer Nathaniel Chalobah to raise funds for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Clic Sargent and Cancer Fund For Children. He also plans to fundraise for Friends of the Cancer Centre.
He is now focusing his energy on securing his first full-time job, saying: “I enjoyed every second of my time at university and I loved living in Derry for three years.
“I met friends for life during my time there and I also met my girlfriend Shauneen there, who helped me the whole way through my treatment.
“I’m now firmly of the mantra you should do as much as you can when you can. Life is too short.”