Sean’s Story

In October 2021, our lives changed forever when we received the devastating news that our youngest child, Sean, had brain cancer. He has been fighting this cruel disease ever since, showing a level of courage, determination and resilience that continues to inspire us every day.

Despite everything he has faced, Sean has refused to allow cancer to define him or determine what he can achieve.

In 2022, while still undergoing treatment, he returned to St Joseph’s College to continue his education. He subsequently gained a place at Ulster University to study Biomedical Engineering and has continued with his studies alongside the challenges of ongoing treatment.

In 2024, Sean returned to St Joseph’s College to receive the inaugural Meta O’Donnell Prize, recognising his outstanding achievements in the face of extraordinary adversity. He is now in his final year at Ulster University and continues to make us incredibly proud.

Why We Are Fundraising

We set up this JustGiving page to raise much-needed funds for the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, where Sean received his initial treatment.

For more than nine months, the hospital became almost a second home to us. During one of the most difficult periods imaginable for our family, the care, kindness and support we received were extraordinary. The doctors, nurses and wider team consistently went above and beyond for Sean and for every child and family in their care. We will never forget what they did for us.

We were also supported by the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, whose work makes an enormous difference to children with cancer and blood disorders and to their families across Northern Ireland. The charity supports the Children’s Cancer Unit by helping to fund vital services, equipment, staff training, research and practical support for families.

Nothing can prepare a parent for being told that their child has cancer. At a time when your world seems to fall apart, the expertise, compassion and reassurance provided by the Children’s Cancer Unit can offer something incredibly important — comfort, strength and hope.

Since Sean’s diagnosis, I have been running marathons to raise money for the charity that supported our family through those darkest days.

And I intend to keep running until we reach our fundraising target.

Every marathon, every mile and every donation is our way of giving something back and helping ensure that other children and families facing cancer receive the same exceptional care and support that Sean and our family received.

Over the past few years, we have been genuinely overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown to Sean and our family. We are once again asking our family, friends and supporters to help us continue this journey.

Whether you make a donation, organise a fundraising activity, or simply share Sean’s JustGiving page on social media, every contribution helps. Even sharing the page with others can make a difference.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Donations are transferred directly to the charity, helping to make fundraising as efficient as possible.

Please be aware that JustGiving may automatically suggest adding a voluntary contribution to your donation. This contribution goes to JustGiving rather than the charity and is optional. If you do not wish to add it, you can select “Other” from the drop-down menu and change the contribution amount, or adjust the slider to zero.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, fundraised, shared our story, supported Sean or simply encouraged us along the way. Your kindness has meant more to our family than we could ever adequately express.

We will keep going, keep running and keep raising funds — for Sean, for every child receiving treatment, and for every family who suddenly finds themselves facing the unimaginable.

Thank you.

Paul and family