A YOUNG Cork father-of-three battling a rare form of leukaemia will fight it with the great courage and determination he has shown all his life, according to his adoring wife.
Richard Chute from Glanmire and his wife Valerie, with their twin boys Joshua and Eli and eleven month-old Luke, at Cork University Hospital.
Picture: David Keane.
Richard Chute, a 26-year-old naval officer, orginally from Turner’s Cross but living in Glanmire, has three boys aged two and under with wife, Valerie. He will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant in the coming weeks and faces being away from his boys for months in Dublin as he bids to recover from the illness.
It means being isolated from twins Eli and Joshua (2) and Luke (11 months) as his immune system is compromised from the treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Valerie will move to Dublin for the duration of his treatment, meaning the young family face thousands of euro in costs for travel, accommodation and childcare. A Go Fund Me campaign has been set up to assist the family.
Valerie said that her husband was the bravest person she knew and would fight the condition head-on, as he had done with every challenge in his life.
She said: “He absolutely adores the three boys and they adore him. He’s the boss man around here and they miss him terribly when he’s not home.”
Richard and Valerie met at a tae-kwon-do meet a number of years ago.
She said: “It really was love at first sight. Even today when I see him, I still get the butterflies in my stomach. It’s not just how handsome I find him but how he carries himself and goes about life. People thought we were mad getting married so young but we just knew we were right for each other.”
Richard wanted to become a naval officer since a tour of the LE Eithne as a young boy. He wasn’t accepted the first time he applied – but he worked twice as hard to prepare for the next chance by joining the naval reserves and was accepted the second time around.
Valerie said: “That’s Richard all over. Once he puts his mind to something, there’s no stopping him. I can’t even describe how proud I was when he graduated. He got married in his naval uniform and it was one of the happiest days of our lives.”
The naval service has been wonderful in its support, Valerie said.
“They are just so good to us. Commander Peter Twomey has been a rock of support, and we are so grateful to the naval service.” Richard plays linebacker for the Cork Admirals, the American Football team in Cork.
Valerie said: “He’s always loved the physical challenges. He’s fearless on that field. It really sums him up.”
Richard’s fight against leukaemia will be fought alongside one of the most important things in his life – his faith.
Valerie said: “Far from testing his faith, it has made him more grounded. Any time he has a stumble or feels weak, he will say a little prayer and place his trust in God.”The costs facing Valerie and Richard came as a shock. Valerie will have to find short-term accommodation in the middle of a rental crisis in Dublin, while childcare costs are astronomical.
Valerie said: “It’s frightening when you actually realise how it all adds up. Family is wonderful to help but they can’t be expected to be there 24/7 with three boys aged 2 and under. We didn’t want to have to fundraise, but the costs are rising for us. The generosity has been amazing. I will never be able to thank our friends and the people of Cork for that kindness. It means more than you’ll ever know.”
Those wishing to help Richard in his fight can go to https://www.gofundme.com/2h5w43w and press donate.
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