IRISH sports stars have rallied around Ciara Mageean following her shocking cancer diagnosis.
Double boxing champion Kellie Harrington lead tributes after the 33-year-old European 1500m champion confirmed the news on Instagram, revealing she has already begun treatment.
Mageean shared a post while she was undergoing treatment after the diagnosis[/caption]
The reigning European 1500m champion and national record holder confirmed the news to fans, revealing that she has already begun undergoing treatment.
The determined ace shared a message of strength, saying she’s “ready to face this with the same fight I’ve always brought to the track.”
Portaferry native Mageean also expressed her appreciation for the support she’s received, saying she was “incredibly grateful” for the outpouring of love.
Dubliner Harrington was one of the many to comment on the social media post.
Kellie wrote: “Just know, we all love you and will be praying for you and keeping positive spirits up for you.”
Former sprinter and RTE analyst David Gillick wrote: Ciara, you’re one of the toughest and strongest people I know!! We’re all with you.”
While her Olympic track and field team-mates also ushered in their words of support for the Down runner.
Sophie Becker said: “We are all behind you, sending you so much love and strength.”
Sharlene Mawdsley penned: “Sending you so much love and strength”
Dutch hurdeler Femke Bol also sent her wishes to the Ireland star with a touching post.
She said: “Sending you love and strength.”
Earlier in the day Mageean shared the health shock in a statement on social media.
It read: “To everyone who’s been part of my journey so far, I have some difficult news to share: I’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
“It’s been a lot to take in, but I’ve already started treatment and I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the love and support of my family and close friends.
“Right now, my focus is on healing and taking things one day at a time. I kindly ask that you respect my privacy and that of my loved ones as we move through this together. Your understanding means more than I can say.
“Thank you for the love and strength. I’m ready to face this with the same fight I’ve always brought to the track.”
