“I thought I was invincible” - north coast father of five reflects on stage 4 cancer diagnosis as he takes on Mourne Wall Challenge
A Causeway Coast father-of-five is taking on a gruelling charity challenge to support others when they ‘hear those heart stopping words - you have cancer’.
Portstewart man Rob Humphreys is taking on the Mourne Wall Challenge – a highly challenging route taking in seven of the ten highest mountains in the Mournes and Northern Ireland, by following the historic Mourne wall – in aid of Cancer Focus NI.
No stranger to the local cancer charity’s events, Rob knows firsthand the importance of support when you hear those heart stopping words: ‘you have cancer’.
In May 2013, Rob was left in shock after being diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer, which had spread to his stomach, chest and lungs.
“I couldn’t believe it. I had two young sons at the time, and I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea I might not be here to watch them grow up,” said Rob who now lives in Ballymoney.
"The consultant was very blunt, I needed treatment or I wouldn’t survive.”
He continued: “I really had to focus on getting through my surgery and treatment, putting myself in a bubble, but I knew my family were really worried. My wife Danielle took the boys to visit me in the hospital when I was going through chemotherapy, they were only 3 and 4 years old at the time, and that broke me.
" I asked her not to bring them back again; I just couldn’t handle it.”
While in hospital, Rob quickly made a bond with two men who were also going through chemotherapy and they became fast friends.
“Martin and Ian were fantastic support to have at that time, going through it together made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Unfortunately, the chemo wasn’t working for Martin, and a few weeks later he died. That’s when reality really set in.
"Ian and I still meet every year, and the first thing we talk about is Martin. Trauma bonds people.”
Although Rob was given the all clear in December 2013, he wasn’t declared in remission from his cancer until September 2024. Rob knows the importance of
having access to support at any stage on your cancer journey.
“I always thought I was invincible, but I did not get out unscathed. It was only 11 years after my initial diagnosis that I felt like it was badly affecting my mental health, and I reached out for support and got counselling that totally turned things around.
“That it why I am so passionate about raising money for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, the support they offer local people and their families dealing with cancer is so important, and you never know at what stage in the journey you will need it.
"Although I had amazing family support, and they think they understand, they just don’t. You really need to be with people who understand what you’ve been through.”
Another key part of Rob’s recovery was getting back to fitness and keeping up with his, now, five sons.
“I am just so excited to take part in the Mourne Wall Challenge...it will be a tough trek, but all for an important cause.”
For more information about the event in August or fundraising, contact the events team at [email protected]