Roy Keane's daughter, Caragh, has opened up about her battle with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that dramatically impacted her life four years ago, and how her father, the Manchester United legend, played a crucial role in her recovery journey.
The condition, which also affected pop star Selena Gomez, left Caragh with severe symptoms including extreme joint pain, hair loss, and painful blisters. The severity of her condition was so intense that doctors suggested she might need chemotherapy, and she found herself bedridden for six weeks, struggling with both physical symptoms and cognitive issues, including memory loss.
"Life was over, no way out. I wouldn't be here without them (mum and dad)," Caragh told PA Real Life, reflecting on the challenging period. "When I was diagnosed, I mourned the person I had been and the person I felt I should have been. The fatigue was unbearable but you just power on. I was essentially bed-bound for a month-and-a-half."
Determined to regain control of her health, Caragh embarked on a journey of research, focusing particularly on the relationship between diet and inflammation. She developed a comprehensive approach to managing her condition through nutrition, adopting a clean, unprocessed diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits. She also incorporated gut-friendly foods such as bone broth and fermented products, along with targeted supplements to reduce inflammation.
The results of her dietary changes were remarkable. Over time, she witnessed significant improvements in her condition - her blisters began to fade, her hair started growing back, and the debilitating joint pain that had once confined her gradually subsided.
This transformative experience led Caragh to establish Superkeen, a wellness company offering organic food products designed to support gut health and overall well-being. "When I look at it now, it's obviously led me on this journey and I'm grateful for the food moments," she shared. "With the main overarching aim of being inclusive and knowing you're not alone, I hope I can help people. Everyone's on their own journey but we're all in it together."
Throughout her battle with lupus, Roy Keane, known for his fierce demeanor on the football pitch, proved to be an invaluable source of support for his daughter. While lupus remains incurable, Caragh's story demonstrates how significant lifestyle changes can make a substantial difference in managing the condition. Today, she continues her mission to help others facing similar health challenges, sharing her knowledge and experience through her wellness initiatives.
