A VERY special event to celebrate the life of fun-loving Finn Gillen was held at his school recently to mark a year since he lost his battle with cancer.

Eight-year-old Finn had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, in January 2015, after a tumour the size of a grapefruit was found in his stomach.

Finn endured a number of medical treatments at the Children’s Hospital in Belfast. His family had hoped to use raised funds to  pay for treatment, therapy and medicines which were not available on the NHS or in the UK. But sadly the neuroblastoma was too aggressive.

A pupil at St. Paul’s Primary School in Irvinestown, he loved spending time with his classmates.

Keen to organise a fitting tribute in conjunction with Finn’s family, the school’s fun day was held to celebrate all the things Finn loved most.

“Finn loved the Minions so we decided to have a ‘Minion Fun Fitness Day’ to pay tribute to him,” explained a school spokesperson, “The children wore blue and yellow clothes instead of their school uniform. 

“The children were allowed to bring an adult to a Fun Fitness Activity which was facilitated by members of the local GAA and Soccer Clubs. The pupils decorated the hall with Minions and memories of Finn.  

“Each class took part in a 30 minute session which was enjoyed by young and old alike.  
“Finn’s family spent the day in the school and our special guest was Bob.”

The funds raised from the special event were donated to the ‘Eloise Singleton Fund’.