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In loving memory of Eóin Monaghan;

We as family will be plunging into the sky from 15,000ft in a skydive, to raise funds for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, as this charity is very close to our hearts. This is the only Children’s Cancer Unit in the North of Ireland, each child is treated and cared for by this team while undergoing their treatment. Their objective is to provide quality patient care, and nurture each child and their families through their journey.

On the 4th November 2019, Eóin took his first seizure and was admitted to hospital, where we found out he had a brain tumour. The next day he underwent an 8 hour surgery to remove the tumour. Histology later revealed that Eóin’s tumour was cancerous. After his diagnosis he began his treatment with 30 sessions of radiation, followed by 13 months of chemotherapy. This was a shock to us all, as Eóin was a fit 14 year old boy, who displayed no symptoms. He enjoyed boxing with Clonard boxing club. It was here he was known as a Warrior, and was given the nickname ‘Hank the Tank.’

We were told that Eóin would never walk or talk again, that his life would become very different, and his illness would impact on him greatly. However, Eoin shrugged cancer off like it was a common cold. While undergoing scans, tests, and chemotherapy, Eóin continued his educational studies at St. Mary’s Grammar School, and passed all his GCSEs and his AS levels with flying colours.

Against all odds, in March 2021, Eóin got the all clear and rang the bell. He continued with his routine scans for the next year and a half. Sadly, in October 2022, a scan showed that there was another growth in his brain, and the cancer had returned. Eóin had his second surgery to remove the tumour. By January 2023, Eóin was receiving double chemotherapy to fight off the cancer in his brain. He was championing through this intensive treatment again, and at the end of April 2023, Eóin had a clear scan.

On the 15th June 2023, Eóin celebrated his 18th birthday. Despite his illness, the cancer never dampened Eóin’s spirit. He was a happy go lucky, popular, funny, and extremely loveable child. He had a part time job in the Royal Victoria Hospital, where he would amaze all his medical team, when they bumped into him working away. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, attending concerts and going out for food. And of course, he was our muse and lit up every room he entered. He loved his family very much and we adored him.

By the end of Summer 2023, we noticed something wasn’t quite right. On the 13th October, we learnt that the cancer returned for a third and final time. We were devastated by the news that Eóin had a maximum of 6 months to live. His cancer progressed quite aggressively, and his health declined rapidly. For the next few weeks, Eóin received palliative care from The Children’s Cancer Unit. On the 19th November 2023, sadly Eóin passed away peacefully in hospital.

Still to this day, The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity are giving us enormous support, and we would like to show our gratitude for all their phenomenal service. We would appreciate if you could help us in raising funds for this remarkable charity, so that they may continue to provide critical care and support, to all children who have been diagnosed with cancer throughout the North of Ireland.