Funeral for ‘special’ Derg girl who died from cancer

“IN her short life, Lucy brought joy into so many people’s lives.”

These were the poignant words of Castlederg parish priest, Paul Fraser, during the funeral of 11-year-old Lucy McGeehan.

Lucy, who was from Castlederg, died at The Royal Hospital For Sick Children in Belfast on Saturday, after a six-year battle with the rare bone cancer Ewing Sarcoma.

She was first diagnosed in 2018 and went through numerous bouts of chemotherapy, along with several surgeries.

Her funeral was held today in St Patrick’s Church, Castlederg, where she was baptised.

Fr Fraser described the former pupil of St Patrick’s Primary School as being a ‘special person’ in the lives of her family and friends.

The priest said, “Lucy packed so much into her short life and never let her illness define her.

“She always lived her best life, spending time with her family and friends. She loved to make people laugh, and her family made sure to make her happy, which brought joy to them.

“She will be an angel, ensuring to bring laughter and joy to us.”

Following Lucy’s diagnosis at the age of five, various fundraising events were set up including a tractor run and a sponsored head shave in Co Donegal.

However, in 2022, it was discovered that her treatment had not been successful and that the cancer had spread to Lucy’s lungs.

Speaking in an article published on the website of the Bone Cancer Research Trust charity, Lucy’s mother, Lynn, said she was so proud of her for how she reacted to her treatment.

Lynn stated, “I have always known Lucy is amazing, but I am just so proud of her and the way she has coped with her treatment and surgeries.

“She is such a smart, bright, and funny little girl who keeps us all going with her personality. She’s never too far away from a joke or a prank.”

Lucy is remembered by her mother and father, Lynn and Paul, and her older brother, Tony. She will also be remembered by her large family circle and friends.