A father-of-two who has been diagnosed with cancer for the third time has said his "time is limited" and is appealing for help in setting up his young family for life.
Nearly €100,000 has been raised for David Saunders (40) who received the devastating news that he had cancer again for the third time, 26 years since he first had it as a child.
The Cork resident, who is husband to Anne Marie and father to young Jack (4) and Aoibhín (2), previously had cancer twice as a child, which ultimately led to him losing a leg.
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"Those battles resulted in me losing my leg but my positivity never waned and ultimately I came out on top, living cancer free for 26 years," said David, who works as a primary school teacher.
During this time he represented Ireland in amputee football, as well as giving motivational talks at events and sharing his story in the "hope it may inspire others with their own journey."
"Unfortunately, having been diagnosed with advanced sarcoma, this time around my prognosis is a lot bleaker. While I will continue to fight for every moment I get to spend with my precious young family, I have to face the reality that my time with them is limited," he said.
David says as a father and husband, he wants to do his utmost to ensure his family are provided for when he is no longer here and is asking for the public's help.
"Any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated and help reduce the financial toll that cancer leaves behind," David wrote.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe, with 1,500 donations, has already raised €95,070 in two days, surpassing its original goal of €30,000.
One donor said they have fond memories from when David taught their boys in school in Galway, describing him as an "excellent teacher" and saying they were sorry when he left.
Another described the father-of-two as a "kind gentleman."
"David, thinking of you and your family. You have always been an amazing inspiration and role model and shown great kindnesses to our children in school," another said.
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