A Derry teen who lost her best friend to sarcoma cancer has now become an ambassador for a charity set up to spread awareness about the disease.
Megan McKinney’s closest pal Alexandra Johnston died in January, leaving the 16-year-old broken hearted.
But Megan, who is currently in Year 5 at St Brigid’s College, was determined to do something positive in her friend’s memory.
She had already pledged to become an oncology nurse after helping to care for Alexandra during her illness, but when she was approached by Derry charity Paul’s Campaign to become a Youth Ambassador she jumped at the chance.
Paul’s Campaign was set up in memory of Derry man Paul Coyle who died from a cancerous sarcoma in August 2011.
His dying wish was for his parents to set up an awareness campaign, so that no one else would have to go through what he did.
Megan was Alexandra’s constant companion throughout her illness and the friend enjoyed many happy times.
“If Alexandra was sore or really sick when you asked her ‘are you okay?’ she would simply say, ‘Aww, you know yourself, 'am grand’,” Megan explained.
“Alexandra was humble she didn’t let her disease run her life, she ran her own life and she lived a fulfilled one.
“Alexandra not only showed me how to live life to the fullest but she showed everyone and if you could keep up with it then you were in for a roller coaster filled with excitement and thrills.
“I hope Alexandra is doing amazing in heaven. She’s definitely at peace but her legacy will live on and her spirit will still light up rooms because talking about Alexandra puts a smile on my face.
“She was a really important part of Paul’s Campaign and I want to carry on that legacy.
As part of her role as a Youth Ambassador Megan will be visiting local schools to spread awareness about Sarcoma and will also provide a listening ear service for any young person affected by the condition.
Paul’s father Francie Coyle, who founded the charity, said she will be a fantastic asset to the charity.
“Teens or young adults are more receptive to information coming from their peers and they are more comfortable talking to them too.
“Megan is the perfect person to become one of our Youth Ambassadors because she has done the journey alongside Alexandra. She’s not just reading off a sheet.”
Paul’s Campaign is meeting with Ireland’s leading oncologist Dr Charles Gillingham who is going to rubber stamp the charity’s Sarcoma Awareness presentation before it is rolled out to schools.
The charity already secured a two week waiting time in Northern Ireland for anyone with a ‘lump, bump, swelling or cyst’ to receive an ultra sound scan.
And Paul’s campaign is travelling to Westminster with the Pink Ladies cancer support group in the coming weeks to lobby for these guidelines to be rolled out in England, Scotland and Wales.
Megan, who also volunteers with the Pink ladies, has recently been recognised for her contribution towards Alexandra’s care with Credit Union Special Carer’s Award and a special recognition at the Urban Village Inspirational Youth Awards in Belfast.
ABOVE - Megan pictured with Alexandra, and main pic, Megan pictured with Francie Coyle.
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