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A fundraising appeal has been launched to help a Warrenpoint cyclist access specialist treatment following a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The campaign, organised by Declan McConville, has already raised more than £69,000 towards its £100,000 target, with hundreds of people donating to support Paul Collins treatment and recovery.
Paul is married to Donna and they have three young daughters. A passionate cyclist and member of Armagh Down Cycling Club, he has completed some of Ireland's toughest endurance events, including the Wicklow 200 and the Ring of Kerry. In recent years he also completed the Dragon Ride in Wales before taking on the Mallorca 312, a 312 kilometre endurance cycling event featuring around 4,700 metres of climbing. He returned this year and completed the challenge again in ten hours.
Only days after returning home, Paul reportedly collapsed and was rushed to hospital. Doctors discovered a mass on his brain on 1 May 2026, and on 14 May he was diagnosed with glioblastoma. He is currently undergoing a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Belfast City Hospital, with treatment continuing until the end of July.
Paul has also been accepted for treatment under Professor Gansange in Berg, Germany, where he is due to begin dendritic cell therapy on 12 August 2026. Dendritic cell therapy is a personalised form of immunotherapy that uses the body's own immune cells to help recognise and attack cancer cells, with the aim of stimulating the immune system to target tumour cells. Research into the treatment is ongoing, and its availability and evidence of benefit vary depending on the cancer type and treatment centre.
Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer that develops from cells called astrocytes, which support the brain's nerve cells. It is one of the most common malignant brain tumours in adults and is known for its ability to grow rapidly. Symptoms can vary depending on where the tumour develops but may include persistent headaches, seizures, changes in vision or speech, weakness or numbness, memory problems, confusion, and changes in personality or behaviour. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, where possible, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with some patients offered or choosing to explore additional treatments such as clinical trials or specialist therapies depending on their individual circumstances.
The overall cost of Paul's treatment, travel and aftercare is expected to exceed £100,000, prompting friends and supporters to launch the campaign. The response so far has highlighted the generosity of the local community with hundreds of donations helping bring the family closer to their target.
Anyone wishing to support Paul's fundraiser can do so via the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com
