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.”
