Northern Ireland

Family 'utterly heartbroken' at death of Co Down boy Charlie Craig (9)

Charlie Craig with his mother Cliodhna and sister Nancy
Charlie Craig with his mother Cliodhna and sister Nancy Charlie Craig with his mother Cliodhna and sister Nancy

A YOUNG Co Down boy who fought leukaemia for seven years and pioneered a school scheme for children with cancer, has passed away.

Charlie Craig (9), from Lisburn, died at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children on Friday.

His funeral service will take place this morning at 11am in St Patrick's Church, Lisburn, followed by burial in Blaris Cemetery.

His aunt Kelly Jo Eastwood posted on Facebook: "We are all utterly heartbroken. He fought a fierce battle like the brave, special boy he was and is now in the arms of God."

Charlie was first diagnosed with leukaemia when he was two and as part of his treatment underwent two bone marrow transplants.

Video: Children’s Cancer Unit Charity  launches Robotics Programme

However, he had developed graft versus host disease (GvHD), a chronic complication associated with transplants, and was admitted to hospital in mid-July in a critical condition.

Just five months ago, Charlie, a pupil at St Joseph's PS in Lisburn, piloted a scheme to help children with cancer take part in lessons and interact with classmates.

The initiative by The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity was a first for Northern Ireland.

The P5 pupil was able to use his iPad to control a robot at his desk so he could take part in lessons like everyone else in the class, using a live video link.

At the time, Charlie’s mother Cliodhna said the robot had changed their lives.

"Charlie's intense and isolated treatment had made us worry about his emotional wellbeing. Charlie is happier now that he can see his friends again and he gets excited by all the antics they get up to in the classroom," she said.

"He is smiling and laughing more than we have seen in a very long time and that is impacting everyone in our family."

Anna McDonald from the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity with Charlie and his sister Nancy
Anna McDonald from the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity with Charlie and his sister Nancy Anna McDonald from the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity with Charlie and his sister Nancy

Asking for prayers for her nephew in July, Ms Eastwood said the GvHD had "ravaged" the youngster's body, lungs, skin and liver.

She said: "The suffering of a child who has had this experience since aged two ... is virtually unbelievable."

Charlie’s uncle is Cookstown man Jim Eastwood who appeared on The Apprentice in 2011.

St Joseph's PS described Charlie as a "cherished" pupil and "a brave and courageous boy".

Armagh-based charity Mary's Meals, which provides daily meals to some of the world's poorest children, said Charlie was "a little warrior and such an example to us all".

The charity said Charlie had donated his First Communion money ‘to feed hungry children’ and had also painted stones which he sold to benefit charities, one of which was theirs.

A statement said: "Charlie is finally at peace and though it is a happy release for a little lad who battled courageously for a long time against his illness it is such a sad time for his loving, devoted family."

Charlie is survived by his mum and dad Cliodhna and Fintan, sister Nancy and family circle.