Action Cancer pays tribute to '˜inspiring' Ryan McCaul who will be laid to rest today

The 31-years-old, from outside Dungiven, died on Monday as he made his way to work at E&I Engineering in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal.

Tributes have poured in since his death, many describing Ryan as “an inspiration.”

Ryan spoke about the challenges he’d overcome in an interview with the ‘Journal’ after he ran the New York City Marathon in 2014 in aid of Action Cancer.

Ryan McCaul outside his home after he'd completed the New York marathon in 2014. PHOTO by Derry Journal

He battled and overcame cancer three times as a child. In 2004 he was in a car crash that left him fighting for his life; in a coma for 29 days.

When he miraculously pulled through he had to learn how to walk again. While on the road to recovery, Ryan lost his hearing. He learned sign language, as did his mum, Edwina.

After a life-changing cochlear implant four years later, Ryan was able to hear. He then fought and survived meningitis - not once but twice.

Despite it all, Ryan was positive, and went on to run the New York City and Chicago marathons for Action Cancer, raising more than £5,300.

Ryan told the ‘Journal’ in 2014: “Think about what you have; be grateful for what you have. I’m here for a reason. There is something I have to do.”

Action Cancer, Fundraising Officer, Gillian Thomson described Ryan as “an inspiring fundraiser and supporter of Action Cancer.”

She said: “Ryan had such a positive and generous spirit, always willing to help others. We appreciate all the support received through the Just Giving Page set up by his sister Ciara in his memory.”

The page has raised close to £3,000. In a moving tribute, Ciara described her brother as “an inspiration to everyone.” She said he planned on running another marathon with their father, Kieran “and we hope to honour his memory in this way.”

One anonymous donor said: “Shine bright up in heaven as you did on earth.”

Ryan is survived by his parents, Kieran and Edwina, sister Ciara and brother Rory.

His Funeral Mass is at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Gortnaghey, at 11am. The family have asked for family flowers only, but donations in lieu can be made to Action Cancer at: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/RyanMcCaul