Rocco McGinley (14) was diagnosed with an extremely rare life threatening brain tumour in October 2021.

Last summer, he began to present with symptoms such as blurred vision, unsteady gait and loss of power and an MRI confirmed his parents worst fears, a brain tumour which is ‘particularly aggressive and difficult to treat.’

 To date Rocco has had fantastic care and support from the staff in Letterkenny University Hospital, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Temple Street and St Luke’s Hospital where he has received radium, biopsies and has had a shunt inserted in an attempt to alleviate symptoms and temporarily regress the tumours growth.

However, he has now exhausted the treatment options available here and his family are now have looking to America to seek further help.

His case has been reviewed by several leading hospitals and he has been accepted for treatment but this will require a significant amount of money. The family launched a fundraiser in the hope of raising enough money to take Rocco for life changing treatment.

The fundraiser has already raised €7,833 and Rocco’s family has thanked everyone for their generosity.

A spokesperson for the fundraiser said, “Since Rocco’s diagnosis, there has been a lot of tears shed, prayers said and many hours of research carried out.

“The Irish health care system has its limitations due to our country size and population unfortunately.

“There are various clinical trials which have had some success that are specifically designed to treat Roccos’ diagnosed tumour.

“Our aim from this Go Fund Me page is to raise as much funds as we can so that he can have the opportunity of treatment.

“We dearly hope that this fundraiser, with your help can raise the capital that’s needed for Rocco to get his chance at beating his diagnosis.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/roccoss-road-to-rocovery