EvoQuip recently raised £2,050 in memory of Cahir O’Hagan, brother of Paul O’Hagan, Business Development Manager for EvoQuip. Led by the EvoQuip team, the fundraiser was in aid of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and aimed to celebrate Cahir's life, who sadly passed away from CF in October 2023, while also raise awareness and funds to combat this challenging disease.

 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. 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, 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.

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. Additionally, 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 funds were raised on the EvoQuip stand via an ‘It’s a Knock Out’ (punching machine) challenge at the recent Hillhead quarrying exhibition in England, along with donations from Terex colleagues across the Northern Ireland sites. All money raised has been donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, dedicated to advancing research and developing treatments for those affected by CF.

Mary McFarlane, Community Fundraiser, for Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Northern Ireland said, "Before this role, I served as a Cystic Fibrosis Nurse Specialist in Northern Ireland for 37 years, during which time I had the privilege of knowing the O’Hagan family through Cahir's journey with CF. Cahir was an extraordinary individual, and this contribution is deeply personal to me. The support provided will be dedicated to research, education, and financial assistance for those living with CF."

Paul concluded, “On behalf of my family and myself, I want to thank everyone who so kindly donated to this worthy cause, especially the EvoQuip team, who united their efforts to support me in honouring Cahir’s memory. Through efforts like these, I hope for a future where CF is better understood and managed, and where essential medications are accessible to all CF patients, regardless of their specific strain. Cahir’s spirit continues to guide us, inspiring his vision of a world where CF no longer dictates the course of any life.”