The hospital specialises in the care and treatment of children with cancer, and the players were delighted to meet patients
Porter, speaking about the experience, described the visit to the hospital as 'humbling.'
“It was amazing seeing the incredible work the doctors are doing in the children’s hospital,” said Porter. “It’s obviously a cause that’s close to my heart.
“It was incredibly humbling seeing how brave those kids were, and just kind of being able to brighten their day.
“It meant a lot to myself, and I’m sure the other players who were there as well. Just being able to see how brave those kids are, how hard they fight every day for where they are. It’s incredible to see.”
Porter lost his mother, Wendy, at age 12 to breast cancer and is involved with the Irish Cancer Society. The Ireland front-row forward believes that it is his duty to support the work that doctors and nurses do for children and family members going through similar circumstances as he once did as a kid.
It was our privilege to visit Clocheville Children’s Hospital in our base city of Tours! 💚
A huge thanks to the children, their parents and the staff for such a warm welcome.#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/3Mz9j8BJ35— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 12, 2023
“It’s obviously something that I dealt with a lot when I was younger and obviously didn’t have a lot of knowledge about at the time,” said Porter.
“But I think, given my status, it’s incredibly important to use that status to benefit others, and I think that’s what I’m going to try and do.
“As my role as an ambassador for the Cancer Society, I’m going to use it as best I can to help and try to make other people’s lives a bit better, people who are affected by it.”
Ireland plays Tonga in Nantes this weekend in their second World Cup game. When asked what he thinks about previous Ireland teams failing at the World Cup, Porter believes there is not one player in the squad that doesn't believe that they can go all the way.
“I don’t think this squad does,” added Porter. “I think we all have the belief that we can go and win. I don’t think anyone is too bothered with what’s happened in the past.
“Obviously, there’s lads that have been in three World Cups and four World Cups, and it’s incredible to have their experience in the squad, but there’s not one player in the squad who doesn’t believe we can go and do this.
“So I don’t think there are really any hang-ups about whatever you call it, ‘the curse’.”
Ireland's game against Tonga will kick off at 8:00 pm (9:00 pm local time) Saturday night. The game can be watched live on ITV (UK) and RTÉ (ROI)."
