Over €190,000 raised for nine-year-old Derry boy battling brain tumour

Magherafelt native Tony Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer on March 27, going on to have emergency surgery less than 48 hours later, with his family "uncertain if they would ever hear him talk or walk again".

The young sports fan, who is a member of the O’Donovan Rossa GAA club and a Liverpool fan, was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme just days after undergoing surgery.

 A GoFundMe page has been set up for Tony by his friends and family, with all the money raised going towards alternative treatments to help him in his cancer fight.

The GoFundMe page 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.

"Despite these grueling 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.

"Tony’s parents, Mary (nee Mooney) and Darren Fitzpatrick have been a pillar of strength for Tony throughout his Cancer journey, where they have had to take sabbaticals from their work to care for Tony.

"They have worked hard to keep family life as normal as possible for Tony and his two sisters, as they navigate this Goliath fight with an aggressive Brain tumour. They are trying to make every second of everyday count and to do everything to help Tony."

The post continued: "Now with a new school year starting, instead of the excitement of what is to come, Tony has faced more devastating news that despite intense treatment, the MRI scans are showing it hasn’t worked.

"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. Please help Tony fight his cancer and prolong his life by donating and sharing this GoFundMe Page.

"We thank you for anything that you can afford to donate and know that there is no amount too small in helping with this battle; we appreciate it all.’

Seeking to raise around €295,000, the fundraiser has raised over €190,000 through public donations at the time of writing.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the GoFundMe page, can do so here.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.