Country star Cliona Hagan lends helping hand to Ballinderry man battling brain tumour

Ballinderry country music star, Cliona Hagan, has pledged her support to her neighbour Robbie Ryan's campaign to fund treatment for a brain tumour by offering her services freely for a concert in Kinturk Cultural Centre this Friday night, 1 July.
Country music star, Cliona Hagan, with Robbie Ryan, her neighbour in Ballinderry.Country music star, Cliona Hagan, with Robbie Ryan, her neighbour in Ballinderry.
Country music star, Cliona Hagan, with Robbie Ryan, her neighbour in Ballinderry.

The rising young singer, who has just performed in the RTE Country Music Awards where she received two separate nominations, will take to the stage with her own band for what promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment.

Keen cyclist and walker Robbie suffers from a Grade 4 Glioblastoma tumour and, together with his wife Nuala, is hoping to raise £200,000 to fund the treatment, which is not available on the NHS.

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The country music concert is the latest fundraiser being held by the local community, who are pulling together to help Robbie reach his goal.

More than £20,000 has already been raised through a Go Fund Me page, while Robbie’s workplace, A29 Garage, has held a Go Karting event and provided donation buckets at its premises on the main Dungannon to Cookstown Road.

The Mid Ulster Walking Club, of which Robbie was an active member before falling ill, held a Midnight Walk which raised £3,500.

Nuala said the couple continue to be “extremely grateful” to their supporters in the local area for their fundraising efforts.

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She explained that Robbie has started one of the immunotherapy drugs, adding: “We have already noticed a remarkable difference in him, in how he’s presenting himself and coping from day to day. Robbie got the second part of the drug on Monday, the part which eradicates the cancer and boosts your immune system. We have no rash yet, which is what we are hoping and waiting for, but Robbie has been itchy, so hopefully that is a sign.”

Tickets for the Cliona Hagan Concert in Kinturk Cultural Centre are being sold in the Ballinderry area, and it will also be possible to pay at the door on the evening.

The cost is £15, which includes a light supper. Nuala can also be contacted on 0777 3853502.

The couple’s Go Fund Me page can be accessed on the following link https://www.gofundme.com/22hxe5g and you can keep up to date with Robbie’s progress on the Immunotherapy for Robbie Facebook page.

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