The Grant Family ‘Wish Upon A Star’

Patrick Grant, along with his wife Lauren and daughter Iris, are supporting the charity’s Wish Upon A Star appeal, where for a donation of £10 people can dedicate a star to someone special on our Christmas trees at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre in Belfast or the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin, or on the virtual tree on our website.

For those who can’t make it to the hospitals, you can also dedicate a star on Friends of the Cancer Centre’s virtual Christmas tree.  The Grant family are proudly supporting the appeal to say thanks for the care and support their family has received since Patrick was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022.  Patrick embarked on an intensive treatment programme and throughout it all, he and his family have been supported by Friends of the Cancer Centre.  Today, Patrick is sharing his story to encourage people across Northern Ireland to support Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Wish Upon A Star appeal and help make a difference to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland. 

Looking back at his diagnosis, Patrick said:

“In November 2022, I was diagnosed with grade 3 glioma, which is a type of brain cancer. The diagnosis came as a complete shock and those first few months were a whirlwind. And initially, I felt hopelessly lost.

“Thankfully I had the full love and support of my family and friends and I could not have managed without them. My journey has made me realise the devastating impact cancer can have on people and their families. Not only physically but mentally, financially and socially too. Thankfully Friends of the Cancer Centre is here to support people like me through it all. “When I was in receiving radiotherapy, Friends of the Cancer Centre funded some of the nursing staff, the Physical Activity Coach, speech and language services and they couldn’t do enough for me. Even when times got tough financially, they were able to offer me a grant. The charity also does a lot of work behind the scenes like supporting research and they are very far-reaching in their support.”

To show his appreciation for the care and support he received, earlier this year Patrick undertook his incredible 333 Challenge, which saw him cycle a 3,000km lap of Ireland and climb three of Ireland’s highest mountain peaks in just three weeks.  Supported by family and friends, Patrick raised a phenomenal £31,000.  Today, Patrick’s support continues with the Wish Upon A Star appeal.  On Friday 1st December, Patrick, Lauren and Iris joined the team at Friends of the Cancer Centre for the official launch of the charity’s Wish Upon A Star appeal, which culminated in the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.

Talking about why the Wish Upon A Star appeal means so much to the family, Lauren said:

“The past year has been very overwhelming for us, but we are incredibly grateful for how far we have come as a family.  Now, more than ever before, we are focused on bringing as much positivity into our lives and the Wish Upon A Star appeal has been so lovely for us to be part of.  We have created so many happy memories with Iris and most importantly, we are supporting a charity that is very close to our heart and encouraging others to do the same.

“This year I could add hundreds of stars to the tree in recognition of all the people who have supported us.  However, I’ll be adding three very special stars.  One is for our family, friends and the amazing team of doctors and nurses who have cared for Patrick.  My second star is for Patrick, as I am so incredibly proud of him.  Despite the challenges he has faced this year, he has been the heart of our family and the most amazing dad.  Lastly, I have to dedicate a star to our own little star, Iris.  She has been a shining light that has got us through so much and brought so much joy during one of the most challenging times for us as a family.  To anyone reading this, please get involved in the charity’s appeal as your support will make a real difference to so many families like ours.”

If you have been inspired by the Grant family and would like to dedicate a star to someone special, please click HERE.