Ballycarry father John Marshall is celebrating a remarkable milestone this summer as he graduates from Ulster University, having overcome stage four cancer, the loss of his son and years of personal challenges along the way.
The Sports Coaching and Performance graduate completed his degree while balancing family life, a full-time career with the Irish Football Association (IFA), and some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
For the past six years, John has worked as a Community Engagement Officer with the IFA Foundation, helping deliver the award-winning Stay Onside programme. The initiative uses football as a tool to support young people involved in the justice system, helping them build confidence, develop skills and create brighter futures.
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However, John's own journey to graduation has been defined by extraordinary resilience.
His path to Ulster University began after a conversation with a former PE teacher, who encouraged him to pursue his passion for coaching.
"My PE teacher introduced me to the Sports Coaching and Performance course at Ulster University and explained how it could broaden my knowledge and understanding of sport," he said.
"I was drawn to Ulster because of its strong reputation both locally and internationally. Returning to education as a mature student felt daunting, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made."
Prior to beginning his studies, John was diagnosed with stage four testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs. Once he had undergone extensive treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and rehabilitation, he began to study part time to balance his health, family commitments and professional responsibilities.
Reflecting on that period, he said:
"Having cancer changed me as a person. It gave me a completely different perspective on life. The treatment affected me physically and mentally, but I believe my passion for health and fitness helped me through it. I'm grateful to be in remission."
Throughout his recovery, John credits his wife, sister and the support of Ulster University staff for helping him continue.
During his final year, the family faced another devastating heartbreak when their seven-year-old son passed away following significant medical complications. Despite the pain, John says his son became his inspiration to keep moving forward.
“As a family, it has been utterly heartbreaking. In his short life, our son he faced a number of medical challenges and showed such resilience. I found strength from him, and I wanted to make him proud of his dad.
“He has shaped my life massively in such a short time and, through some really dark times, I pushed through. Reaching graduation has shed some light during a very dark period. He has been my inspiration.”
John is one of more than 5000 students graduating from Ulster University this summer, with ten days of celebrations taking place at ceremonies in Belfast, Coleraine & Derry~Londonderry.
Reflecting on his time at Ulster University, John praised the support he received from academic staff.
“I have been blown away by the supportive and guided environment that Ulster University has offered me through the most difficult times in my life. I owe my Lecturer, Tandy Haughy a great deal, I don’tthink I could have done this without her support. If you're struggling with personal issues, family challenges or health problems, the staff are there to support you. They are academics, but they're human too. They only want you to do well and champion you.”
Throughout his studies, John was able to connect his academic work directly to his role with the IFA. Drawing on his frontline experience, John's research explored the experiences of facilitators delivering the programme within prison settings and identified opportunities to strengthen future delivery.
"Sport has the power to change lives. Every day we see the difference it can make for young people who need support, guidance and a second chance. It was rewarding to see my research recognised, but what matters most is that the findings may help improve the programme both for facilitators and for future participants."
Tandy Haughey, Senior Lecturer, School of Sport and Exercise Science at Ulster University commented on John’s journey, she said:
"John's journey is a powerful example of resilience and perseverance; overcoming significant personal challenges, he returned to education as a mature student, achieved excellence through his applied practice, and became an invaluable mentor to our younger learners by bringing real-world experience into the classroom."
Following graduation, John plans to continue developing his career with the IFA, while exploring opportunities for further study.
For anyone considering university, particularly mature students who may feel uncertain about taking the leap, he has a simple message:
“Go for it. The combination of academic learning and practical experience is invaluable. Ulster University provides such a supportive environment, and you'll learn things that can genuinely transform your career and your confidence. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help or support if you need it.”
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