Cancer patient Darren hopes to inspire with uplifting video

"If this video gives someone the strength to get out of bed for even one extra day and fight on, it will have been worth the effort."

The words of Darren Mullery, 39, who is battling pancreatic cancer.

A music video made by Darren’s friends in Tralee Musical Society launched on YouTube today.

He was diagnosed last August, at a time when his wife, Danielle Faulconbridge, was pregnant with their daughter, Noelle, now six months, and hopes the three-minute video will give hope to others.

“Support is something people do need. They have to try to see life other than living with cancer and that, even if they have cancer, they can still have a life.”

Darren, who worked in plumbing trade sales, makes the most of the good days he gets. “It’s important not to let cancer take over your whole life.”

The idea for a video came from Rebecca Roche, a leading member of Tralee Musical Society. She was on Facebook one evening when a YouTube clip showed up on her homepage.

It featured an American lady fighting cancer who made a music video with her friends. Rebecca was moved by it, and Darren loved the idea after she sent the link to him.

Oliver Hurley, formerly of the National Folk Theatre, Siamsa Tíre, and an award-winning director, and videographer Tom Hanafin agreed to take on the project.

The result is a video to the song ‘Eye of the Tiger’. It shows Darren walking out of the hospital, at home with Danielle and Noelle, and holding a board with inspirational words like hope and courage.

“In going viral, we want other cancer sufferers to see the video and get some kind of hope and courage from it — to show them that even in hard times you still keep fighting and have fun when you can,’’ said Rebecca.