John Devaney

“In the summer of 2006 out of the blue I started to feel unwell and noticed a small lump on my right thigh the size of a thumb. I went to my Doctor and he sent me for tests that confirmed that I had a very rare malignant soft tissue tumour called a Sarcoma.

“I underwent Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy but the tumour kept growing and got worse. Within 3 months my tumour had grown to 6.5KGs and I had lost almost half of my body weight. During a 7 hour operation the tumour was removed, along with most of the muscle in my thigh and hip. Things went well until in 2010, whilst on my way to teach a Kickboxing class my thigh bone snapped, due to weakened bone structure. In 2011 I went back to hospital where I stayed for 26 weeks while my right leg was completely removed through to the hip.

“I am now stable and almost 10 years clear of cancer - I regard it as a one all draw - I got my life back but Cancer took all of my right leg. I was very fortunate to be introduced to the SCAT team and Board who very kindly granted me funding for a new leg comprising of a hip socket, Helix Hip, C-Leg and bladed foot.
“This means I have the freedom to move about virtually unaided and get back to doing most of the things I love doing. As well as walking and all the basic things that most people take for granted I can Box again (well Boxing training, even I have limits). 

“For the first time in many years I feel like my life and my future belong to me again and I am not in a twilight zone where I must admit if it wasn't for my wife and family and my bull dog things would have been unbearable.

“In 2016 I had the opportunity to lead a fund raising venture for SCAT at my local Nuffield Gym. It was a full day of sponsored exercise including Body Combat, Body Pump, Cardio Boxing and Kickboxing as well as a raffle and cake sale. The day went really well and we raised a sizable amount for a very worthy cause which gives hope to people who have been through some of the worst times you could imagine.

“Thank you for reading my story. It is a much shortened version of the events that befell me. I would like you to take hope from my experience.”