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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Susie Beever & James Martin McCarthy

Young man, 21, who fell ill at the gym diagnosed with cancer and dies three days later

A 21-year-old was told he had cancer after falling ill at the gym and was dead just three days later.

Daniel Donnan, from Co Down, was rushed to hospital after feeling unwell during a workout on Thursday last week.

He died in hospital on Monday surrounded by shell-shocked loved ones, reports Belfast Live.

Daniel's heartbroken family are now trying to raise awareness of the signs of cancer in 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," his brother Curtis 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.

He was rushed to Ulster Hospital (PA)

"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 his local 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," Curtis said.

"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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