Life

None of this would have happened if I hadn’t struggled: a two-time cancer survivor on giving something back

By Shaun Flores
November 17 2019, 20.55

A two-time cancer suffer, model, author and public speaker wants to spend his time giving back and being an inspiration for many.

Kieran Jarrett, 26, found out he had leukemia when he was 21 while at university. In his second year he relapsed and spent his third year completing his degree while in hospital.

front cover of kierran jarrett's book what can i control?

In 2017, Kierran released his book What can I control? The crucial life lessons of a 2X cancer survivor.

He said: “My book made it into the hands of Richard Branson and Anthony Hopkins, which led to public speaking where I have been given the opportunity to get paid to share my story.

kierran jarrett with anthony hopkins
WITH PURPOSE: Kierran’s book has made it in to the hands of celebrities including Sir Anthony Hopkins (left)

“None of this would have happened if I never had a struggle, now that I’ve overcome cancer, I spend most of my time giving back and it feels purposeful.”

Leukemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

Leukemia gave Kierran a new lease of life and thanks to a stem cell transplant he is alive today. There is still a shortage of men aged 16 to 30 on the stem cell register in the UK, especially those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

richard branson with kierran jarrett
FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES: Sir Richard Branson with Kierran

In a 2018 interview with Vice, Kierran said: “Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Kierran graduated from University of Hertfordshire with a 2:1 in business studies and marketing alongside a prestigious dean’s award, recognising students’ achievements through leadership, charity, academic advancement and embracing diversity.

Kierran has now spent his time trading via Forex, the foreign exchange market, where foreign currencies of the world are traded.

kierran jarrett with his mother
A MOTHER’S LOVE: Kierran with his mum

He said: “I advocate Forex simply because having struggled with cancer twice, surviving, I couldn’t then go back to a 9-5. Honestly my body and spirit rejected everything about it.

“So, I left and researched ways to make money online via many different forms and that’s when I bumped into trading.

“Six months after getting started I became debt free using the financial markets and now I show other people how they too can start.”

Kierran’s future plan is to become a millionaire via trading and to teach others how to do so, alongside being heavily involved in charity work.

Kierran recently appeared on a BBC1xtra podcast talking about black men, mental health and cancer.

He said: “It was a very good discussion, I highly suggest you take a listen.”

He also offers advice to those suffering from cancer.

“Approach cancer with a fighting spirit and positive attitude, guard your energy, keep negative people away, pray/mediate, delete negative music, have people visit often. Concentrate on a reason to survive,” he said.

“Most importantly, drink lots of lemon water.”

Kierran’s stem cell transplant saved his life and helped him find purpose which he continues to use to encourage others through public speaking.

“Try new things, and go with the flow of life, don’t be a person that prays for an opportunity, then you get one, and then you ignore it. If you do, you’re a fool.”

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