Lee Brennan, 48, found fame as the singer of '911' in the late 1990s. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma as a 9-year-old, before relapsing aged 15, and he tells us how his cancer experience has influenced a new vocation.
Having cancer has influenced me in so many ways, from the way I see the world to how I live my life. It made me want to reach for my dreams, to have a ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ kind of attitude. To seize moments and to be spontaneous. Lying in a hospital ward when I was really ill taught me many things, not least patience and observance, and about the power of our thoughts and how to use them positively.
I’ve always wanted to help people and I think that came from being cared for by doctors, nurses and social workers. I try to uplift others and listen and understand people more. All of this inspired me to study counselling skills at college, to enhance my understanding of 'helping' professions. And this spring, I’m launching a nutrition and coaching business, as I feel that everything I’ve experienced and been inspired by will help with my coaching.
"I live life without being afraid of making mistakes or failing at something."
The biggest challenges I faced with cancer were how I saw and felt about myself when going through body changes due to treatment. I became very insular, lacked confidence, and really didn’t like the person staring back at me in the mirror. I hated how I looked and losing my hair was a big thing for me. I used to isolate myself from everyone and it’s something I’m now very aware of as an adult and keep an eye on in case I find myself slipping into that old pattern.
Being patient and kind with myself helped me to understand my emotions and how I saw myself. Learning to accept what happened to me was such a great thing, as it really set me free from certain feelings that were holding me back in life. Although I can be a quiet person, I’m not unhappy, I’m not too hard on myself anymore and I’m much more comfortable and accepting of myself. Not being able to have children because of cancer treatment was a big emotional hurdle to overcome, but I’ve worked through those emotions with counsellors and learned to accept it and focus on the fact I’m alive, and I have so many good things in my life.
I’m proud I went from the boy who had cancer twice, to the boy in a top selling boyband. But I think what I’m most proud of is how I’ve overcome all the different emotional obstacles that cancer can put in your way. I’m proud of my resilience and strength, how determined I am as a person and how I’ll never give up on myself. I live life without being afraid of making mistakes or failing at something, and I think it’s a positive mindset to have and can open so many doors to a fulfilling life.
"I’m proud of my resilience and strength, how determined I am as a person."
From Contact magazine issue 94 - Spring 2022
