Player's Inspirational Story Published by Worcester News

Second year defensive lineman James Brennan's (#99) inspiring story was published in the Worcester News on May 26th, describing the battles he'd encountered on and off the field.

Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2014 the former club secretary, and current tresurer, didn't let his health situation phase him as he continued to bravely kit up for the Royals.

His tireless efforts and positive attidue rubbed off on the entire squad, resulting in the club finishing with it's most succesful season to date.

Continue reading below for the full story:

“The diagnosis has had a big impact on my studies as I have to spend every other week at home for Chemotherapy and then recovering from it. I made the decision early on that I would let it affect me as little as possible, and everyone has supported me on doing that.”

This is the story of James Brennan, 20, a second year BSc Physical Education and Sports Studies student at the University of Worcester from Coleshill, Birmingham, whose life took a serious change in September 2014 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma.

However, remaining true to his strong character, he “decided at the beginning that feeling down about it wouldn’t help” and that he “needed to get on with his life,” as he balances University work, with sporting commitments, alongside the arduous and energy sapping sessions of Chemotherapy.

“The diagnosis has definitely made me more of an organised person. I have to be on top of my University work instead of leaving stuff to the last minute” James explains. “It has had a big impact on my studies.”

Away from his studies James also has a keen interest in the University’s American Football team, the Worcester Royals, being the club’s secretary, and a vital player for the team in terms of experience. This is another aspect of his life that he’d try and not let the disease get in the way of. “(American) Football has had a big impact on my life. In terms of playing I’m now very much a game time decision on whether or not I will play.”

“If I feel up to it I will train and play for as long as possible, but as soon as I start to feel fatigued I have to stop.”

One of James’ coaches, and former teammate, John Winter, is “always impressed with his (James) enthusiasm and the way it has driven his continued endeavours and presence with the team”

For a young man, just really beginning his life in the adult world, the news he received may have been shockingly catastrophic to a self confessed “very laid back” person.

It all started when he returned home from Worcester following his first year of study, where he planned to work in a call centre to provide extra funds for himself during his time at University, and to get in the gym in an attempt to get fitter for playing American Football.

It was all going well, he was working out, earning money, everything seemed perfect. However he revealed that he was “feeling really run down and tired all of the time.”

“I was getting in from work, having something to eat and then just going to sleep every night.” This was clearly not normal for someone as enthusiastic and as energetic as himself.

“Around early August I woke up one morning and noticed a lump on the left side of my neck.”

An early diagnosis from the doctors, after he described the symptoms and the fact that the lump looked as though it had gone down, it was believed that it was a “virus” that had caused it.

However, about 2 weeks later, following a gym session he didn’t “feel too great” and on the walk home he “collapsed.”

Following this incident, and going back to his local GP, he was referred to at first The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, and then to Dr Harrison at Coventry University Hospital, where after a “couple of weeks of testing” his condition was later confirmed as Hodgkin Lymphoma.

It was at that moment he felt the relief. The relief of knowing what was actually wrong with him, and also what he had to tackle in terms of treatment. This would be in the form of Chemotherapy, attending sessions every 2 weeks to help treat the cancer.

But how do you go about your life when you’re just twenty years old, one time thinking you had your whole life ahead of you, to having to balance university work, sporting commitments, with frequent cancer treatments?

“The diagnosis has definitely made me more of an organised person. I have to be on top of my university work instead of leaving it to the last minute.” James said.

“I also have to keep track of what medication I need to take and when.”

“I’ve also had to be less stubborn and listen to my body, in regards to when I need to rest, instead of trying to push myself too hard.”

“It has had a big impact on my studies as I have to spent essentially every other week at home for chemotherapy and then recovering from it.”

James explains that the University has been “very supportive and have made allowances in regards to attendance and delaying of assessments.”

These are all the words of a very brave, optimistic and grown up young man who is dealing with his problems head on, and his enthusiasm should be seen as an inspiration to anyone who may suffer the same fate as himself. James “decided at the beginning that feeling down about it wouldn’t help and that I needed to get on with my life.” And he has done just that.

And this mantra of which he abides is clearly evident in his passionate affection of playing American Football.

With the sport growing in the minds of many in the United Kingdom, and especially to James who started properly taking notice of the sport when the early NFL International Series games were played at Wembley, the future is looking very bright for american football this side of the pond.

James’ experience of American Football in the UK has been very different to those who play in the states. From training 2 - 3 times a week at various locations, to playing in mud baths, and also being locked out of changing rooms, this physical sport is definitely not one for the feint of heart.

“It’s definitely had a big impact on my life as I’ve met a lot of friends through the team, players and coaches.”

“Coming to University I was in two minds in regards to sport. I was initially split between playing rugby, which I’d played for several years before coming to university, or playing American football, which I’d been interested in for a few years.”

“In the end my decision was made when I was talking to some of the current players. It just seemed to click, and then my mind was made up.”

After getting through his first year of the sport, his heart was set upon returning and improving himself over the summer. But now with what he has to deal with on a daily basis, playing football is now a “game time decision” as to whether or not he will play.

“If I feel up to it I will train and play for as long as possible but as soon as I start to feel fatigued I have to stop.” James said.

The way he has gone about playing for the team, and putting in as much effort as possible, has captured the hearts of his teammates, as they are nothing but full of admiration of his spirit.

“His attitude has been inspiring and motivating to not only myself but the team.” Says Worcester Royals Chairman Ryan Brown.

“He’s always had a very high work ethic, that’s always been part of his character. His very energetic, and get up and go approach to life is very humbling to see from someone in such a difficult position.”

“When he turns up to games and training with the attitude of wanting to play, and that he’ll take it as far as he can go, is a true testament to his character, and his love of the sport and the team.”

As confident, as enthusiastic, and as strong as he has been in his time of suffering, he has been just as humble, especially with all the support he has received.

“It has been amazing.” He said. “The support I’ve received from friends, family, and of course the team (The Worcester Royals).”

“I made the decision early on that I would let it affect me as little as possible and everyone has supported me on doing that.”

“It allows me to forget about it and lets me live my life, which is the only way I know how to cope.”

As a team the Worcester Royals raised £400 for Cancer Research UK in the form of donations at their opening game of the season and the selling of T-shirts with the team logo, the charity’s logo, along with James’ initials and shirt number.

About 3 weeks James received the news that his “body is responding to the treatment, and the has stopped the cancerous cells from growing.

This is fantastic news for such a friendly, and enjoyable person. A person that is full of life, and is fully deserving of all the good news he may receive.

But what does the future hold for James?

“For me, at the moment, the future is to get through my treatment which should be finished in mid march.” He says.

“I plan to continue with my degree, looking to study PGCE to become a PE teacher.”

“I also want to carry on playing American Football at university, and then progress to playing in the national leagues at senior level to as high level as possible.”

Enthusiasm is a word that encapsulates this inspiring young man, as he is dealing with something that no person his age should have to deal with, and dealing with it in the best possible manner.

If only everyone went about their business in a manner similar to that of James Brennan.