In 2012, we lost our wonderful Stephen to primary bone cancer. He was 20 years old. His dream of becoming a Biomedical scientist and raising a family would never come to be. 2022 marks what would have been Stephen's 30th birthday. To commemorate this, his family and friends hope to raise 30k towards life-saving research into osteosarcoma, in the hope that, one day, others will not have their lives cut tragically short by this cruel disease. To do this, we will be hosting ‘Stephen’s 30 for 30 Charity Gala’ as well as climbing 7 peaks. We wish to continue his legacy and support the life saving work of the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Stephen was diagnosed with primary bone cancer in April 2010. He had just turned 18 and was studying for his A-levels. Though it came as a total shock, he remained in high spirits throughout his surgery and chemotherapy. Always having a great sense of humor, he enjoyed the typical things like football, movies, travelling, socialising with his friends etc. He was the glue that held his friends together. In spite of everything he was going through, he completed his A-levels and was accepted at Queen's University Belfast to study Biomedical science. But, while enjoying freshers' week in Belfast and making the most of this new chapter in his life, he began to experience pain in his lower limbs. He went for an MRI scan, which confirmed the worst: There were multiple tumours in his spine and legs. His prognosis was terminal.

From a young age, Stephen showed tremendous strength of character. He was also fiercely protective of his family and friends. Such was this protection, when he received his diagnosis, he said that it was better it happened to him than one of his brothers or sister, as he was better able to handle it. And he did just that. 

What made Stephen so special was his booming passion, which at times would lead to the odd debate, however Stephen's opinion was one in which you’d have the utmost respect for. He was someone you could confide in and trust. He kept his positive outlook throughout every challenge that presented itself. Although he was very much aware time was running out, Stephen enjoyed each and every day and continued to do the things he loved and spend time with those closest to him, even travelling to Medjugorje and Gran Canaria with his family. 

It wasn’t until after his initial treatment was complete that he confided in his brother that he was afraid he was not going to make it. Even after his terminal diagnosis, he always said, “It will be ok, I’ll always be close to you, if I’m permitted to be”. Stephen had a tremendous faith in God. The only time we ever saw a break in his armour was when he asked his oncologist if there were any clinical trials he could take part in but he was informed that there was none. To have no hope as a 19 year old was devastating for Stephen, his family and friends.

Stephen passed away in Newry Hospice on Monday the 26th of March 2012 surrounded by his family. Primary Bone cancer is very rare and survival rates have not improved much in the last 20 years. While Stephen was receiving treatment, he met 4 other teenage boys and they all died before him. As you can see, funds for research are very much needed.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary bone cancer in children and young people, and the second most common overall after chondrosarcoma.

£30 could fund an hour of essential laboratory time for our researchers investigating new treatments for primary bone cancer.

£85 is enough to fund one of our talented, young researchers for an entire day in the laboratory as they work towards their PhD studying primary bone cancer.

£150 allows us to put on one of our Bone Cancer and Bone Tumour Support Groups allowing those affected by primary bone cancer to come together to discuss topics that are important to them and their family in a safe environment.

£400 is enough to fund a top-scoring junior doctor or medical student to undertake a placement in a specialist treatment centre for primary bone cancer patients, allowing us to raise awareness and encourage specialism in the field.

£25K can fund one of our Ideas Grants that allows a researcher to test a novel hypothesis, looking for new approaches to treat primary bone cancer.

£25K can fund a specialist bone cancer centre to treat patients and collect samples that can be used for primary bone cancer research for 1 year.

Throughout the years, Stephen’s family and friends have raised a total of £17,325 for Bone Cancer Research through various fundraising activities such as running the Belfast City Marathon, climbing the 4 highest peaks of Ireland over 3 days and hosting coffee mornings in the local area. The effort from everyone involved and support from the community have been fantastic! Words cannot describe how grateful we are. We hope that we can raise enough money to make a massive difference in the lives of those still affected by Bone cancer.

Your support in achieving this target would be highly appreciated. 

Thank you x