Coleraine man publishes poetry collection in memory of partner to raise awareness of skin cancer foundation
A Coleraine man has recently published his debut collection of poetry to raise funds for a foundation in memory of his partner who lost her life to skin cancer.
Gary Devenney’s book ‘I Talk to Trees’ is raising funds for The Fiona Brady Foundation – a skin cancer awareness charity based in Northern Ireland, created in memory of his late partner, Fiona, who passed away from skin cancer in January 2024.
With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Gary and Fiona’s family are hoping to raise awareness of the condition and of their Foundation.
Fiona and Gary first met in 2021 and, said Gary: “It was a true love story from first sight, we met in the Thirsty Goat in Derry on August 29, 2021 and when I first seen her I was completely awestruck.
"When I first approached her, she refused to talk to me because of my Coleraine accent,” joked Gary, “but I was too committed to let that bother me and the rest is history, so to speak.”
In 2018, Fiona had been diagnosed with skin cancer following the removal of a mole on her stomach. Following this, her condition was monitored through visual checks, and she was released as a cancer patient in September 2021.
Gary added that Fiona’s story challenges common misconceptions: “She never used sunbeds and was always conscious of protecting her skin and taking precautions in the sun.
"Her experience underscores the reality that skin cancer can affect anyone, reinforcing the need for vigilance, education, and early detection.”
"During a holiday in Sorrento, Italy, in July 2023 she took a turn for the worse and due to intense lower back pain she was bed bound for the final days of our trip,” said Gary.
"Upon returning home, and after numerous checks, we got the devastating news that she was diagnosed with advanced metastatic melanoma in September 2023, it was a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of five months to 2.5 years.”
Fiona passed peacefully in ward 50 of Altnagelvin Hospital on January 29, 2024.
"On the day we found out about her terminal diagnosis, she whispered to me ‘I was meant to meet you’.
"That will stay with me for life and is a huge driving factor in creating this movement around increasing skin cancer awareness, because through it, others will meet Fiona and I know it will help to save lives.
"I know, ultimately, it will stop other couples having the same conversation in similar circumstances.”
The Fiona Brady Foundation is committed to increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer; educating the public on sun safety and preventative measures; providing a platform for individuals to share their own skin cancer journeys, helping to foster conversation and reduce stigma; empowering individuals to advocate for their own health, including seeking further advice or second opinions if they have concerns.
A family spokesperson said: "Fiona brought light, energy, and warmth into every space she entered. This Foundation is our way of continuing that light.
"If we can help even one person recognise a symptom earlier, take better care in the sun, or feel less alone in their journey, then her legacy continues in the most meaningful way.”
Gary’s collection of poetry is available to purchase via the Foundation’s website www.fbfoundation.co.uk