A CO Fermanagh schoolboy has been described as a child who "brightened the lives of everyone he met" after he lost his brave battle with cancer.
Finn Gillen (8) from Irvinestown passed away on Thursday just over a year after he was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive and extremely rare form of childhood cancer.
The little boy was a pupil at St Paul's Primary School in Irvinestown and in a tribute his principal said on Friday night he a "very precious member of our school family".
Finn was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2015 after a tumour the size of a grapefruit was found in his stomach.
Since then he endured countless medical treatment, travelling from his home in Co Fermanagh to the Children’s Hospital in Belfast.
His family launched a fundraising campaign describing Finn as the "most courageous, strong little boy".
They hoped that money raised could help with treatment, therapy and medicines - some of which were not available on the NHS or in the UK.
However, in an update on their 'Fund for Finn' page last month, his family told of how his condition had deteriorated.
"Finn's tumour has come back and he has relapsed," they wrote.
"We are no longer able to find conventional treatment for our Angel. We have been destroyed by the news but our love for Finn can't be destroyed.
"So we are having to take the time now to enjoy him and build up his health. We have had to let go of our comfort in doctors and medicine and pass our son's future over to God.
"Not an easy thing to do when you want to hold on to someone so special.
"So much love and faith is in Finn as he talks about turning to the light instead of running from the darkness."
They wrote that their new moto had become 'fun for Finn' as he wanted to "be a boy again with swimming, cycling, trampolining, plant trees, see his friends at school, and do the things we all take for granted".
School principal Shauna Cathcart said their "hearts are full of sorrow for Finn’s family at this sad time" following his death on Thursday.
"Finn was a very precious member of our school family. We loved him and we will miss him dearly," she said.
"He was a gentle, fun-loving little boy who will always be remembered for his infectious smile which lit up his eyes and brightened the lives of everyone he met.
"Finn especially loved his classmates and our hearts are with them today as they grieve the loss of their dear friend.
"It has been our very great privilege to have Finn in St. Paul’s and we are deeply grateful that his family entrusted him to our care.
"Finn will never be forgotten and his memory will live on in St. Paul's forever."
Finn is survived by his parents Alison and Paul and sisters Niamh and Ciara.
