The family of a Co Derry schoolboy suffering from an aggressive brain tumour say they have been “blown away” by support from well-wishers who have helped them raise more than £140,000 in his battle against the cancer.
Tony Fitzpatrick, nine, was diagnosed with grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), an extremely rare and difficult to treat children’s cancer, following emergency surgery in March.
Tony’s aunt, Carla Scullion told The Irish News that any money raised for the young GAA player would go “to fund alternative treatments to give Tony a better quality and prolonged life expectancy”.
The family has been “absolutely blown away by the support, the prayers, the donations and the well wishes we have received,” she said as donations through the GoFundMe page - ‘Tony & Glio. A Goliath battle for one little boy’ continue to roll in.
“The appeal has raised more than half of its £250,000 goal in just two days and we really, really appreciate everything that has been donated so far.
“Tony himself is just such a resilient wee man and we are all trying to keep positive and upbeat at the minute.
“We really want to thank people and say how overwhelmed we have been by the generosity we have been shown. We have been blown away by the response, it’s been massive.
“We have quite a lot of local fundraisers lined up. People have been brilliant,” she said adding that September was also Children’s Cancer Awareness month.
“The treatment available to Tony is limited because of what it is and because of his age, so we are fundraising to enable Tony’s parents, Mary and Darren, to get whatever treatments are best, given how he is feeling,” said Ms Scullion.
“On behalf of Mary and Darren, we want to try and move things on quickly.”
She also said their thoughts were also with the family of Crossmaglen footballer Caolan Finnegan who died recently following a battle with brain cancer.
“It is just so cruel. There is always someone going through this. We are very aware of Caolan Finnegan and what his family has just gone through, so we want to raise awareness about it as well.”
The GoFundMe page was set up by Ms Scullion’s husband, Ciaran.
On it he describes Tony as a “kind, compassionate, witty and truly awesome little boy. He has the biggest heart and greatest laugh of anyone we know”.
“He has faced simultaneous chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments after his brain surgery and smiled through it all,” he added.
“Despite these gruelling treatments, this wee warrior has tried his best to go to school at Holy Family Primary Magherafelt, where he loves to learn and play with his friends.
“He has a passion like no other for GAA football and Tony is rarely seen without a ball in hand. He lives to get to his training with his GAA club, O’Donovan Rossa’s Magherafelt.
“He also loves soccer and supports Liverpool LFC. Tony plays for Moyola Park AFC where he dreams of playing like Mo Salah one day,” said Mr Scullion.
Tony and his two sisters dance for Smith school of Irish dance, where, according to his uncle, Tony enjoys learning the steps and enjoys the friendships he has made at his classes.
Carla Scullion added that any money raised which is not used for Tony’s treatment will be donated to a brain cancer charity “to help fund vital research into this illness in hope of finding a cure for this cruel illness”.
BBC NI sports presenter and commentator, Thomas Niblock, described Tony as an “illuminating kid” and revealed that Armagh football legend Oisín McConville is also backing the campaign.
“Earlier this summer he was interviewed to give his expert opinion on the match when BBC Newsline presented the news from Magherafelt ahead of the Derry/Armagh game,” he said.
“The Magherafelt community and beyond is pulling together for him. I know that my GAA Social podcast co-host, Oisín McConville has agreed to play his Cross side versus Magherafelt.”
Support for Tony
The story of Tony Fitzpatrick's fight has touched the hearts of people far beyond his local community in Co Derry. His unwavering spirit, even in the face of a challenging diagnosis and grueling treatment, has inspired an outpouring of support, demonstrating the power of community and the collective will to make a difference in the face of adversity.
The Power of Community
The overwhelming generosity demonstrated by the community in Co Derry and beyond is a testament to the human spirit. The fundraising effort for Tony has brought together people from all walks of life, united by a common goal: to provide support and hope to a young boy facing a difficult battle.
A Collective Effort
The story of Tony Fitzpatrick underscores the profound impact that collective action can have in the face of adversity. From the initial diagnosis to the tireless efforts of his family and friends in raising funds, every contribution, big or small, has made a difference in Tony's journey. This unwavering support is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity and the resilience of the human spirit.
A Legacy of Hope
Beyond the immediate support for Tony Fitzpatrick, the campaign has also served to raise awareness about brain cancer and the importance of ongoing research. The funds raised will not only help Tony access alternative treatments but will also contribute to the fight against this devastating disease. Tony's story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found in the kindness and compassion of others.
