Tony Fitzpatrick tributes as nine-year-old dies following brave cancer battle

Nine-year-old Tony Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in March
-Credit: (Image: No credit)


Tributes have been paid to a brave young boy who passed away after a he was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

Tony Fitzpatrick, from Magherafelt, was diagnosed with a brain tumour on March 27. Days after undergoing emergency surgery, the nine-year-old's family received the devastating news that his brain tumour was a grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme: an extremely rare cancer in children and exceptionally difficult to treat.

The Co Derry child, who had 'a passion like no other for GAA football' was a member of the O'Donovan Rossa club in Magherafelt. He was also a keen Liverpool supporter, who played for Moyola Park AFC and dreamt of "playing like Mo Salah one day".

READ MORE: NI community raises £130k in two days for boy, 9, diagnosed with rare cancer

After his diagnosis, Tony's community rallied around the family, and a Go Fund Me page set up to raise money for alternative treatments for the youngster had reached over £297,000.

Tributes to the young child have poured in across social media on Friday, with one comment reading: "The inspiration he gave everyone and the love he received in his short time on this earth was phenomenal.

"May Tony continue to inspire us from above and if you are blessed to have kids, hug them a little bit tighter this evening."

Tony Fitzpatrick
Tony Fitzpatrick

Sports club Cross Rangers said: "Cross Rangers are saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Wee Tony Fitzpatrick. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tony’s Mammy & Daddy, Sisters, extended family, friends and our fellow Gaels O'Donovan Rossa GAC Magherafelt.

"You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Queen Of The Gael pray for Tony."

A message shared when the GoFundMe page was set up reads: "Tony is an inspiration to us all. He has faced simultaneous chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments after his brain surgery and smiled through it all.

"Tony has the biggest heart and greatest laugh of anyone we know. He sets an example for all of us in how to live life to the fullest every day."

Tony is survived by his parents Mary and Darren, and his two sisters. Funeral arrangements are to be announced later.

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