A young County Derry boy who was battling a rare and aggressive brain tumour has sadly passed away. Tony Fitzpatrick, from Magherafelt, was diagnosed with a sizeable and aggressive brain tumour earlier this year, on March 27. Within 48 hours, Tony was rushed into major surgery which confirmed that the tumour was actually a grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme: an extremely rare cancerous brain tumour that is exceptionally difficult to treat. Although the surgery removed some of the tumour, it didn't remove it all and Tony had been undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which hadn't worked as well as hoped. He passed away this morning, with his parents by his side, exactly six months after his devastating diagnosis.
Earlier this month, the nine year-old's family had launched a fundraising campaign to help support alternative treatment options for the Magherafelt boy. The campaign raised over £297,000 for the Holy Family PS pupil. Speaking to the County Derry Post at the beginning of September, Tony's aunt Carla Scullion said that the young boy's mum Mary (nee Mooney) and father Darren Fitzpatrick, together with the wider family circle, had spent numerous months tirelessly researching and investigating treatment options for the life limiting cancer.
As news of Tony's death broke this morning, a family member paid tribute to him saying 'our hearts are broken'. “Tony was a fighter, a warrior who won everyone's hearts over these last six months, everyone knew Tony, he never complained, he was so full of life, his smiles won our hearts,” said the family member.
Holy Family Primary School also paid tribute to Tony, who they described as 'our wee warrior'. “God has taken Tony to be with him in Heaven. May Tony rest in eternal peace. Our staff and pupils will be supported in every way we can through this sad time. The EA Critical Incident Team have been and will continue to be in school to advise and support staff and pupils if needed. Rest easy wee man. We love you to the moon and back.”
O’Donovan Rossa GAC, Magherafelt, where Tony was an underage player, have cancelled all club activities this weekend as a mark of respect. A spokesperson said club members are 'heartbroken' by the sad news. “Foremost in our thoughts are Tony’s family, Mary, Darren, Maggie and Katie. We think of all Tony’s friends at school and the sporting, music and dancing groups he was actively involved in. We think of the many talents and traits which made Tony ‘Fitz’ the unique and special boy he was. We think of the courage and bravery with which Tony confronted his health challenges. We think of his smile and sense of fun and craic. Tony was a warrior.”
The spokesperson continued: “When the ball was thrown in whether it was training or games Tony had a way of getting onto it. One Friday night last season up at MUSA in Cookstown Tony was playing soccer for Moyola and there was an extra spring in his step and edge in the tackle as he got stuck into his Rossa team mates playing for the opposition Sky Blues. When the game was over there was plenty of slagging and winding between the boys. Tony and Moyola were the winners. And Tony loved it! Tony brought out the very best in his friends and our community. As a club we thank everyone in the GAA family and beyond who stepped forward and stepped up for Team Tony.”
A death notice stated that Tony's funeral arrangements will be confirmed later.
