Family of Donegal footballer Mark Farren launch cancer treatment support appeal

Costly treatment but one that may well save the 32-year-old's life.

The family of former Derry City footballer Mark Farren have launched an awareness campaign, and appeal, in the hope that they can raise €30,000 for vital cancer treatment. The Donegal native, who has also played for Finn Harps, Monaghan and Glenavon, has battled cancer for the past six years but a cancerous brain tumour continues to threaten his health, and life. Farren was a prolific goalscorer for the Candystripes, scoring 114 goals in 209 games, over nine seasons. Following a 20-goal season, in 2010, then-Derry boss Stephen Kenny told the BBC, 'Twenty goals (in the season) and he's had to deal with so much going through his mind about his future health, never mind his footballing career. He's been unbelievably courageous, I don't think people realise how brave he's been, although certainly all the players do.' The Farren family statement reads:

After six years of fighting against a life threatening condition, Derry City legend Mark Farren needs our help. Mark's third surgery took place a month ago and surgeons removed 80-90% of a tumour. The invasive nature of the procedure has had a stunting effect on his speech and mobility. The biopsy which followed has indicated that the tumour is a grade 4, meaning it’s highly aggressive. Being no stranger to thinking outside the box, Mark is seeking medical assistance from an elite cancer centre in Germany. The six week treatment programme is his best chance of saving or at least prolonging his life. Treatment will cost approximately €30,000. This is the one goal with which Mark needs our help, any contribution is greatly appreciated. Over the coming weeks there will be a number of fundraising activities led by Mark’s former teammates, Kevin McHugh, Ruaidhri Higgins and Ciaran Martyn, along with PFA Ireland, and other sporting bodies, including Mark’s former clubs Derry City and Glenavon.

Here is the link to the funding website for Farren.