Family honours “courageous” son’s memory after grant helped him spend precious time at home 

A Newry family shared how a Your Opportunity grant helped bring their son, Leroy, home from hospital after undergoing a stem cell transplant.  

Leroy was just 19 when he received a devastating diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia after feeling unwell with a sore throat.  

His loving family, including mum Becky, and sisters Roma and Alana, did all they could to support Leroy. Including Roma, aged 17, donating her own stem cells to try and save her brother’s life. But he tragically passed away on April 19, 2023.  

Almost a year on, Mum, Becky shares Leroy’s story in national paper, the Northern Irish Mirror. Both in tribute to his strength, and so that other families raising young disabled or seriously ill adults aged 18-24 might benefit from a grant from Family Fund. 

Becky describes the 14 months that followed Leroy’s diagnosis. “We were in shock, trying to cope with this devastating diagnosis while also facing the extra pressure of costs, which affected us more with each passing month.   

“I was just floored by the situation. I couldn’t function for months and couldn’t sleep, eat or even think clearly. And I wasn’t able to work, and the costs of caring for Leroy just kept coming – driving 35 miles to hospital and back for months on end, buying food on the go, on top of everyday bills. It was very challenging quite quickly. 

“Leroy never faltered – he was just truly courageous and positive. He’d talk about what he was going to do when he got better. And how he wanted to help young children living with cancer.” 

After undergoing a stem cell transplant which compromised Leroy’s entire immune system, the family were told he could only return home from hospital if he had a sterile bedroom to protect his health. 

Becky said: “This meant replacing everything like bedding, curtains, the bed itself, new flooring, getting a dehumidifier and using special paint. It had to be totally clean to prevent infection risk. 

“Thankfully my family were able to step in to support me. We also received a Your Opportunity grant which was incredible and very unexpected. It came at the time we needed it most.”  

The grant meant Becky could create a new, sterile bedroom, for Leroy to be comfortable in at home for several last precious months of life.  

After 14 months, Leroy passed away on 19 April 2023.  

Becky said: “He asked that everyone wear bright colours to his funeral. He was so brave to the very end. I couldn’t have been any prouder of him. And he still inspires me to this day, every day.

“I wanted to speak out because people need to know about Family Fund and Your Opportunity – without that support, it would have just been that much worse for us. Leroy wanted to be able to make other people’s lives better. If we can help one family like us, I know that would be enough for him.”

You can also read Leroy’s story in the Belfast Live on their website.

Want to support even more families like Becky’s? Donate to Family Fund.