Inspirational nine year-old boy who bravely battled cancer 'touched the hearts of everyone that knew him'

Mourners at the funeral of a young County Derry boy who sadly passed away while battling a rare and aggressive brain tumour have heard that he 'touched the hearts of everyone that knew him'.

Tony Fitzpatrick was diagnosed in March this year with grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, an extremely rare cancerous brain tumour that is exceptionally difficult to treat.

Following his diagnosis, the Magherafelt boy underwent emergency surgery which removed some of the tumour.

The nine year-old had been undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which hadn't worked as well as hoped.

Earlier this month, Tony'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.

He passed away on Friday morning, exactly six months after his devastating diagnosis, with his parents, Darren and Mary, by his side.

His funeral took place this afternoon in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Magherafelt.

Children from Tony's school, Holy Family PS, formed a guard of honour as his white coffin was carried into the church by family members who were wearing the red and white of O'Donovan Rossa GAC, where Tony was an underage player.

At the beginning of the mass, family members brought forward mementos which symbolised the south Derry boy's life.

Among them was a framed picture of Tony, a football, a bodhrán and soccer and gaelic jerseys.

Officiating at the mass, Magherafelt Parish Priest Fr John Gates said that mourners had gathered with 'very heavy and painful hearts to say farewell to a little hero' who 'touched the hearts of us all'.

“For everyone who has journeyed these past six months with Tony and with his family, the news of his passing on Friday morning past was so heart-wrenching, such a disappointment, as we had hoped against hope that Tony would recover his health and be able to enjoy his youth once more,” said the priest.

“No-one was more involved in that journey than those who Tony loved most, his devoted parents Mary and Darren, his sisters Maggie and Katie, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. You, his family, never left his side for one moment on that difficult journey with its many ups and downs. You were with Tony right to the end, despite your hearts breaking.”

Fr Gates continued: “I know you have been greatly supported and appreciated that support and help these past few months by so many people, by 'Team Tony', the staff and pupils of Holy Family Primary School, your friends and Tony's teammates in O'Donovan Rossa GAC, Moyola Football Club, the Smith School of Dancing and the wider community here in Ardboe and in Monaghan.”

Fr Gates said that Tony was 'a warrior' who 'touched the hearts of everyone who knew him'.

“Tony touched the hearts of everyone who knew him, especially over the last six months, his bravery and courage in the face of adversity, so much treatment and the pain and suffering that he had to endure was truly inspirational. He was a warrior who could face anything with that infectious smile of his and always without question.

“Tony was always so positive in everything, as soon as he got out of hospital, or his treatment ended, he always wanted to see his friends, get back to school, get down to Rossa Park and kick about, and get back to normal life as soon as possible.”

Fr Gates said that in his nine short years, Tony 'packed more in than most people do in 90'.

“Tony managed to galvanise a whole community, united in support and prayer, something that many a priest tries a lifetime to do.

“Not only did he galvanise this community in prayer but people from every corner of the globe. Last week I was in Medjugorje and I had people from South America, North America, Australia, Africa, Asia, even Pakistan and Iraq, praying for Tony and his family. Many of you done likewise, that is Tony's legacy, that is Tony's miracle, the real miracle, bringing people back to God, to the God that he and his family have always felt so close to.”

Fr Gates described Tony as a 'very determined' young boy who was mature beyond his years.

“Tony was a young man with maturity beyond his years, he was very determined and always racing to do everything and pack it all in, almost as if he knew his time here was limited,” he said.

“He had played football and ran a 10k race just a few weeks before he was diagnosed with his tumour. I'm told he was very competitive, especially with the things he was good at, as his teacher Mrs Boyle can no doubt attest.

“He was very kind and always thinking of other people, never about himself. He was also very witty and never lost his good humour right throughout his illness.”

Fr Gates acknowledged that Tony's death has been a very traumatic time for his classmates and teammates.

Addressing them, he said: “Remember young ones, you now have a friend in heaven, speak to him and tell him your stories as you always have and I know Tony will help you all through this tough time.”

Addressing Tony's family, Fr Gates said: “He (Tony) loved all of you to bits and you him and that was so obvious to anyone who ever came in contact with you.

“Be assured that Tony is now being looked after by his grandmother Maureen and his grandad Seamus, who passed away just back in May. They are now holding his hands and looking down on you all.”

The priest urged Tony's family and friends to treasure the memories that they had shared over the years.

“Forgive us Lord when we ask why you broke our hearts and let him die, we ask you why you could not live, sadly you whispered 'I lend, not give'.

“We all knew that Tony had an uphill battle and nothing short of a miracle was needed so we prayed and prayed and prayed for that miracle, but sadly it wasn't to be. Those hunting words 'I lend, not give' keep coming back.

“We don't or ever will know why. Yes, we have every right to be angry, to question God and to feel in some sense cheated but if we continue down that road we will just end up frustrated and embittered. Better to thank God for the privilege and joy of the time you all had together, the good times, the laughs, the memories. Your love for Tony, and his for you, lives on.”

Tony was laid to rest in the cemetery at Church of St John, Milltown following the service.