The funeral of an 11-year-old Co Tyrone girl is to take place after she lost an almost six-year battle with a rare form of cancer.
Lucy McGeehan, from Castlederg, died on Saturday at Belfast’s Royal Hospital For Sick Children.
She was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in 2018 at the age of five, and underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy in the years since. The illness is diagnosed in around 30 children in the UK each year.
The youngster also had major surgery several times, but in 2022 it was discovered that tumours had spread to her lungs.
Following her diagnosis, the Friends of Lucy fundraising group was founded, while events including a sponsored head shave in Co Donegal, where her family has close ties, and a tractor run were held to raise money for her loved ones, including parents Lynn and Paul, and her brother Tony.
Lucy’s illness was highlighted by the Bone Cancer Research Trust, who spoke with her mother for a feature article on the charity’s website.
What a year you have had and your still fighting you are truly beautiful, super strong and totally amazing and I have...
Posted by Friends of Lucy on Wednesday, 17 January 2024
Speaking of her daughter, Lynn said: “I have always known Lucy is amazing, but I am just so proud of her and the way she has coped with her treatment and surgeries. She is such a smart, bright, funny little girl who keeps us all going with her personality. She’s never too far away from a joke or a prank.”
Among those to pay tribute following her death was GAA club Caisleán na Deirge Naomh Eoghan CLG, who in a statement passed on “deepest sympathies to Paul, Lynne, family circle and friends of Lucy McGeehan after she lost her brave battle to illness”.
“Lucy was a beloved niece of our clubs main sponsor, Wendy and Paul Lynch. Our thoughts are with them all during this difficult time. May Lucy rest in peace,” they added.
A funeral service for Lucy will take place at St Patrick’s Church in Castlederg on Tuesday.
