Mairead ready to live her African dream

A Mossend women is hoping to make a dream trip to Africa after winning her fight with cancer.
Mairead Skirka wants to go on safari after being cancerMairead Skirka wants to go on safari after being cancer
Mairead Skirka wants to go on safari after being cancer

Earlier this year Mairead Skirka (20) was in second year at Glasgow University studying to be a vet when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the blood.

She said: “It feels like this year my life has been on hold, I had to give up my studies as I couldn’t go near animals to do the practical exams.

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“Starting in May I had to undergo chemotherapy every two weeks for six months at the Beatson, and I want to thank my mum Rosaline and boyfriend Andrew Quinn for their amazing support.”

Earlier this month Mairead was told the cancer is now in remission and is now looking to the future.

She said: “It was such great news and after the things being so hard I’m determined to get my life back on track.

“I want to complete my second year exams and then move into third year, but first I’d love to do a bit of travelling as I couldn’t really go anywhere while I was sick so Andrew and I haven’t managed to have a holiday together.

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As part of its Christmas appeal the charity Now Dreams Come True is looking to fulfil her dream of a safari in Africa.

Mairead said: “Going on a safari is something that I have always wanted to do. It’s such a great opportunity to see these animals in the wild and it will help me in my career. Because I have had to take some time out from university, this will help me to get back into all my studies.”

Over the last 25 years Dreams Come True has brought happiness and joy to more than 5,000 young people with serious and life-limiting conditions.

Chief executive Peter Newman said: “Mairead has had to put her life on hold unexpectedly this year and hasn’t been able to do all the things a 20-year-old should be enjoying.

“Dream fulfilment is very powerful so we need your help to fulfil dreams like Mairead’s.”

To donate to Dreams Come True visit www.dreamscometrue.uk.com or text TRUE12 £5 to 70070.

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