In the heart of the EvoQuip Stand L4 at the upcoming Hillhead 2024 (June 25-27), the team will host a ‘Knockout Challenge’ in honour a true warrior—Cahir O’Hagan, brother of Paul O’Hagan, Business Development Manager for EvoQuip.The youngest in Paul’s family and widely known for his cheeky smile, charm, and personality that lit up every room, Cahir left a deep-rooted mark on his family and friends. The EvoQuip fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) aims to celebrate Cahir's life and raise awareness and funds to combat this challenging disease. Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Growing up, Paul shared a special bond with his younger brother, having shared a room with him for over 20 years. “Cahir was not just a younger brother; he was an inspiration and a source of motivation for all of us. Despite his daily battles with Cystic Fibrosis, Cahir faced his struggles with remarkable strength and never let his condition define him. There’s a saying that the youngest looks up to the oldest in every house but I can say that was the opposite case in our house. He was a gift; he was one in a million.”

Cahir's journey with CF was met with many challenges. Everyday activities that many take for granted required tremendous effort and dedication, including medication before meals, multiple nebulizers, and daily physiotherapy sessions. His love for sports, particularly Gaelic Football and Hurling, showcased his strength of spirit and determination. Although his condition limited his participation with local clubs Clonoe O’Rahillys and Naomh Colum Cille, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, only being able to play for 5-10 minutes at a time, he never let it dampen his passion.

To maintain his weight, Cahir endured two years of nightly NG tube feedings, followed by the surgical installation of a feeding peg when the NG tube became too much. This meant he had to stop all contact supports, which devastated him.

Cahir's life was punctuated by hospital stays, where he received IV treatments to manage his condition. Despite the setbacks, Cahir continued his fight, even when he was among the 10% of CF patients who lacked access to lifesaving drugs. In August 2022, a collapsed lung further deteriorated his health. By March 2023, he was placed on the double lung transplant waiting list. Living on 18% lung capacity and 24/7 oxygen, Cahir's battle was intense. On September 24th, 2023, he caught a common cold, which led to his hospitalisation and, ultimately, his peaceful passing on October 3rd, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Inspired to Make a Difference

Witnessing Cahir's battle with CF has deeply impacted his family’s perspective on the disease, particularly for Paul, who has become an advocate for increased research, funding, and awareness. The importance of organ donation is now a vital part of Cahir’s story, highlighting it as a crucial last resort for CF patients.

“There are many misconceptions about CF that need to be addressed,” explains Paul. “For instance, 1 in every 25 people in the UK and Ireland carry the CF gene. CF patients cannot be within six feet of each other due to the risk of cross-infection, a practice long before the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, there are no visible signs of CF, meaning patients can look healthy while undergoing extensive treatments and hospital stays.

“By sharing Cahir's story, we hope to raise awareness about CF and the need for more research and funding. We aim to ensure that the 10% of CF patients who currently have no access to lifesaving drugs can receive the treatment they need. No one should have to wonder if they will survive the next 24 hours due to a lack of accessible medication.”

The Fundraiser

All funds raised via the ‘EvoQuip Knockout Challenge’ at Hillhead 2024 will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, dedicated to further research and developing drugs to help those affected by CF. To participate, visit the EvoQuip Stand L4 at Hillhead or alternatively online donations can be made via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/page/evoquip.

Concluding, Paul said, “The timing of Hillhead couldn’t be more fitting. June would have been Cahir's wedding month, a day that would have marked a beautiful beginning for him and his fiancée. While I would have had the honour of standing by Cahir’s side as his best man, I now have the honour of keeping his memory alive and championing his legacy.

We are striving for a future where CF is better understood and managed, where awareness campaigns enlighten people about the disease, and where essential medication is accessible to all CF patients, regardless of their specific strain. Cahir’s spirit guides us, inspiring his legacy of a world where CF no longer dictates the course of any life.”