THE heartbroken family of a 20 year-old man who died following a battle with cancer have told of his "outstanding" bravery in fighting the illness.
Eoin Henry, who grew up in Kilrea in Co Derry and lived in Aghadowey, died on Sunday with his parents and his girlfriend at his side.
Mr Henry, who would have celebrated his 21st birthday next month and described by his father as "mad about cars", had been diagnosed with cancer last year.
A fortnight ago, he described his condition in a Facebook post, saying that his treatment had "slowly stopped working".
He wrote: "Today I got news I always knew was coming...It's hard to get up in the morning and feel normal again...It's hard to do anything and not feel out of place."
The Co Derry man said he had been due to have an operation "but couldn't do it as I was unfit for it".
In a plea to family and friends, he wrote: "Whatever the outcome, that's it there's nothing we can do that's just what its going to be..."
"Only the strongest of fighters are giving this fighting card, I'm half way there it's tight, can I win the last few rounds? I can? Really??
"Lets show this disease it's home #teameoin!"
A former pupil of St Brigid's Primary School and Our Lady of Lourdes High School, both in Ballymoney, Mr Henry worked as a warehouse manager at EFS NI, a fitness equipment company in the town owned by his father Stephen.
Mr Henry told The Irish News that his son had been "absolutely outstanding" in fighting the illness.
After initially seeing doctors in September 2015 about pains in his lower abdomen, he was diagnosed with cancer last year and reacted positively to chemotherapy.
However, when asked to return within three months for check-ups, he discovered that the cancer had come back.
Mr Henry said: "He fought the whole thing and he never complained about it. He encouraged other people with illnesses to fight on. It just got to the point where his body wasn't allowing him to fight on any more.
"I got him home and I'm so glad I did. He passed away on Sunday with me, his mum and his girlfriend at his side.
"He was an absolutely lovely wee fella who would have done anything for you. He loved his family and his girlfriend."
In online tributes, friends paid tribute and spoke of Eoin's bravery.
One wrote: "You put up a great fight and everyone is so proud of you."
Another added: "I had the pleasure of knowing Eoin on both a personal and professional level and what a character and strong minded young man he was, rest in peace pal."
Mr Henry is survived by his parents Stephen and Veronica and his girlfriend Rachel.
Requiem Mass for Mr Henry will be celebrated at 11am today at St Mary's Church in Drumagarner, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
