TWO best friends both battling cystic fibrosis have died within hours of each other.

Lisa Meehan, 23, and Ciaran Murphy, 27, were friends from childhood and lost their battle with the incurable disease at the same time and both at Belfast City Hospital.

Both their families in Fermanagh believe the two friends “are now in heaven together” and say they are united in their grief for two very determined people who fought their illness with such courage.

Poignantly, just hours before Ciaran died last Friday, he whispered to Lisa’s mother: “I will look after Lisa for you.” Lisa responded by posting a moving tribute on Facebook saying: “You were so strong right up to the end. No more suffering any more. Love you loads.” Shortly after she wrote the message, the Enniskillen woman died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“They both passed away and are making the journey to the next life together,” said Lisa’s uncle Declan Meehan. “They are now in heaven together,” said Ciaran’s father, Conrad.

Both Lisa and Ciaran’s funerals took place on Tuesday, and at the same time; Lisa’s at St. Michael’s Church in Enniskillen and Ciaran’s at St. Teresa’s Church in Belfast, where he lived.

Their families have spoken to The Impartial Reporter about their pride for the “very special” pair who fought cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick sticky mucus, for so long.

“They battled so many years together and it is just ironic the way it happened: the two of them were really sick after growing up together,” said Lisa’s aunt, Ann.

Lisa who lived in Ely Gardens in Enniskillen with her mother Georgina and beloved brothers Camhan and Jake was determined not to let cystic fibrosis dictate how she lived her life. She was diagnosed with the disease at seven months.

“Lisa never complained, she never let the illness get the better of her,” said her cousin Stephanie Meehan. “She never talked about the illness; she just wanted to be a normal 23-year-old girl.” “Lisa always smiled; she always told us she was going to fight this to the end and she did,” said aunt Mary Meehan.

Such was her determination to live a normal life, Lisa made a wish list of all the things she wanted to achieve before she died, including having her love for fiancée Aaron recognised in a blessing in hospital last month.

“Her and Aaron talked about a wedding but they knew it wouldn’t happen so they got a blessing on their engagement. The hospital staff were brilliant and done the room up to look like a wedding was taking place. It was a very happy time for her; it was very beautiful,” said Declan. The funeral arrangements were carried out by undertaker Patsy McCauley, Belleek whom the family also thanked.

Yesterday on Facebook, Aaron paid a heart-rending tribute to his girlfriend of seven years, writing: “Well, Lisa pet. We had our last walk down the street I just wish things could have been different for you. You gave me the best seven years of my life. You were just a fab wee woman. I just want you to know that I love you and always will until we meet again.” Lisa also wanted her mother to go to her brother’s wedding, which she followed on Facebook the day before she died. She also wanted each of her family to have a special moment with her and had a photo album made for her brother Jake whom she adored. And, she made a memory box with recordings for her family members to listen to “because she knew her time was coming”.

“Lisa had such a zest for life and I suppose we do need to get awareness of CF out there; people need to know about this condition but we don’t want to scare them. Lisa had good times, as well as bad, and she was able to do what she wanted to do. She had that fight in her,” said Declan, explaining how Lisa’s mother believes her daughter’s name represents ‘Life Is So Amazing’.

For Ciaran’s family, who are originally from Cornagrade, Enniskillen, they face the same pain as the Meehans. Ciaran’s grandfather is Gerry Murphy a well-known figure in the local community, his father Conrad moved to Belfast through work some years ago and his uncle Gerry is a decorated sportsman in Fermanagh. Ciaran’s mother Deirdre and sister Claire were also with him throughout his battle.

“There was a natural affinity between Ciaran and Lisa and with myself and Georgina being from the same part of the world. There is a very unique bond between suffers of cystic fibrosis and both Ciaran and Lisa always seemed to be in hospital at the same time,” said Conrad.

“When everything in your heart was telling you that they weren’t at that end stage you could see it when you looked at both of them. I guessed it was only going to be a short time between them, I knew that Lisa would not be that far behind Ciaran. We believe there is a thing called heaven and both are walking through there together,” he said.

Ciaran married his girlfriend Catriona in hospital back in February in a beautiful ceremony attended by close family and friends, and his new wife’s step-daughter Cora whom he doted on. The wedding was brought forward after his health deteriorated.

“They had planned a bigger wedding for 2015 in County Cavan but he became so ill at the turn of the year that they had to revise those plans and he had a really nice, but really poignant ceremony in the church at Belfast City Hospital. We had to organise that wedding within a period of four or five days. We are very thankful to all the people who pulled out all the stops to make that happen. It fulfilled one of his wishes – to show and declare his love for Catriona,” explained Conrad.

Ciaran was also awarded his degree in Irish language and Irish literature from the University of Ulster at his bedside last Tuesday, a moment that his family will treasure.

Like Lisa, he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after he was born. He received a double lung transfer five years ago. And, despite the hardship of the disease he got on with his life.

“Ciaran played football, both Gaelic football and soccer until physically he couldn’t cope with the demands of that any more. He was into music like all young people and played the guitar, again, until he was unable to do so. He used to say that cystic fibrosis didn’t define him and tried to do as much as he could do,” said his proud father.

Families appeal for support for Cystic Fibrosis Both Lisa and Ciaran’s families have paid tribute to the tireless work of staff at Belfast City Hospital and everyone who has supported them and their children. In their memories, they are now hoping to raise money to support the cystic fibrosis charity and its much-needed research.

To pledge your support, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/lisameehan.co.uk and/or https://www.justgiving.com/remember/135445/Ciaran-Murphy