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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
James Martin McCarthy

Family pay tribute to Daniel Donnan who died days after cancer diagnosis

The brother of a man who died three days after a cancer diagnosis has called for greater awareness of the symptoms among young people.

Daniel Donnan took ill at the gym on Thursday and was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed.

The 21-year-old passed away on Monday afternoon with his family by his side.

Read more: Community rocked by sudden death of young player at GAA ground

Speaking to Belfast Live on behalf of the Donnan family, Daniel's brother Curtis paid tribute to him and called for greater awareness of cancer among young people.

"Daniel was at the gym and started to lose power in the right side of his body after he got off the treadmill," he said.

"He felt his body change and was rushed to the Ulster Hospital where they done a scan on his brain which showed there were bleeds.

"Daniel had an MRI on Friday and then underwent a CT Scan and ultrasound. He was diagnosed on Friday evening and then we lost him on Monday.

"We would like to thank the doctors and nurses in the Ulster Hospital and also in the City Hospital cancer ward."

Curtis said that there needs to be a greater awareness with younger men in particular around checking themselves and recognising the symptoms of cancer.

Daniel, from Donaghadee in Co Down, was a keen bowler having won numerous titles with Bangor Bowling Club.

"Daniel was the Under 25 runner-up in the Northern Ireland Bowling Association in 2018 and he won the under 18 singles in 2019 which allowed him to compete in the championships. He also won a series of local games too.

"He was a big foodie who loved cafés and restaurants across Belfast but in particular The Yogurt Tree in Bangor which was one of his favourite spots.

"He loved experiencing different foods and he was loved by his family and his friends."

Paying tribute to Daniel, Bangor Bowling Club said: "Daniel loved his bowls and the Bangor Bowling Club.

"Anyone who knows Bangor will know how close we are to each other and this is absolutely heartbreaking for us to take in. A talented young man and a lovely gentleman on and off the green. We will miss him, but we will not forget him."

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