In loving memory of Aaron Murphy

Aaron was a happy young man, full of energy and banter. He loved adventure and playing with his sister and friends. Aaron had a real head for technology and not surprising loved gaming and YouTube. He passed away from neuroblastoma on 30th May 2019. His family shared this message on social media:

Aarons story

Aaron was a wee fun boy and loved anything Fireman Sam related. He wanted to grow up to be a part-time fireman/part-time teacher. He never had any serious illnesses as a baby.

While Aaron was riding his bike just before his 4th birthday, he complained about sore legs and hips. His parents then noticed swelling in Aarons groin area. After many visits to the doctors, they took Aaron to the local hospital. The next few days were taken up with blood tests and investigations.

Sadly, on the 18th August 2011, Louise and Douglas were given the news that Aaron had stage 3 neuroblastoma. It was a massive blow for the whole family and we found out just two days after we celebrated my pregnancy with Aarons sister, says Louise.

It was unbearable news that no-one ever imagines hearing about their child. We felt an overwhelming sense of shock and disbelief and fear over what the future held, plus the possibility that we could lose our little boy.

Frontline treatment

Aaron started a treatment plan almost straight away. He had six months of chemotherapy followed by an eight-hour surgery to remove the majority of the tumour. After this, he was given 15 days of radiotherapy and coped remarkably well throughout treatment.

After a couple more surgical procedures Aaron was back on top form and off to be a primary school student.

Relapsing years later

In November 2017, I noticed a lump on the top of Aarons leg. Despite the denial and trying to spare us all the pain and heartache that was to come, we all knew what it was, says Louise.

It was confirmed that Aaron had relapsed. It was devastating for all of us again, to think that our beautiful boy would have to endure this horrendous treatment again.

After a discussion with their consultant, a plan was put in place. Five rounds of chemotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy. The consultant had hoped the high-dose chemotherapy would kill off the cancer and the surgical team at Great Ormond Street Hospital were involved to see if they could attempt to take Aarons tumour out. But the chemo didnt work and the surgery was deemed impossible.

Aaron then took part in the Beacon Trial in Glasgow from September 2018 to January 2019, but unfortunately, his January scan results showed that his disease had progressed he was taken off the trial.

He spent his last weeks being visited by friends and his cats, and surrounded by a family he made incredibly proud. Aaron's page will remain open for any donations made in his memory.