Coalisland rallies behind little Francis’ family

THE local community has rallied to help a Coalisland family whose world has been “turned upside down” after their three-year-old boy was diagnosed with leukemia.

Aquinas Gervin said he is overwhelmed by the support after he put out an appeal on social media to help relieve the severe financial stress on his brother Francis and sister-in-law Alicia who are coming to terms with their three-year-old son Francis’ illness. Little Francis who was three on Sunday, was suffering with a limp and after tests, the family got the diagnosis last week that he has leukemia. He has begun chemotherapy treatment and as his mother is pregnant she has to stay apart from him.

The family’s life has been shattered with the worry about the boy’s health and constant visits to hospital.

Aquinas explained, “I decided to do this to try and help my brother and his family. He would be embarrassed by this and would not want to be a charity case but the reality is they need help. This news has left our entire family devastated and all we want is for Francis to receive the best medical care and have the support of his mother and father.

“Francis’ father has recently become self-employed in the gas laying business, but with the health of his son being paramount, he is faced with not being able to work and maintain household bills, mortgage and finance payments on his machinery. He took out loans to work for himself and Alicia who is five months pregnant. It is all very stressful with the financial burden added. Hopefully we can help ease that.”

Aquinas has been overwhelmed with the response from family, friends, neighbours and the wider community.

On Wednesday the total amount of money donated to the online appeal has surpassed £13,000.

He added, “People have been fantastic, not only with the ‘GoFundMe’ page but actually calling to the house. This community always rallies around in times of difficulty and hardship. My brother doesn’t want to feel like a charity case but it is a charity case and they need all the help they can get. Any help, no matter how small would be very appreciated and will help this loving family get through this difficult time”.

Anyone wishing to donate to help the Gervin family can visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-francis-and-his-family-with-leukemia