In December our 5 year old grandson Finnbar started to have occasional dizzy spells lasting just a few seconds, shortly after Christmas he had a few episodes where he appeared a bit unsteady on his legs. It was at first thought to be a virus, then after a few weeks he was referred for a CT and a MRI scan which showed an undefined abnormality. Over the next few weeks Finnbar was in and out of hospital as he was getting severe headaches and vomiting. At the end of February it was decided that he needed an emergency operation called a endoscopic third ventriculostomy to relieve the pressure on his brain. He then had a biopsy which revealed that he has a grade 2 diffuse astrocytoma (tumour) situated in his cerebellum and brain stem. Due to the difficult presentation and position of his tumour, it was decided that an operation was not a good option as it infiltrated into his normal brain tissue and it could cause further permanent damage to Finnbar. The doctors started him on an intensive course of chemotherapy, which entailed him having yet another operation to insert a hickman line into his chest.

As you can see from the picture above Finnbar always tries to keep smiling and has kept a good sense of humour. He loves getting with his big brother and little sister and always wants love and hugs from his family. He has been such a brave boy. The first picture show him at school just before diagnosis , the second, at the end of March and the last one was the beginning of May. It is clear to see the drastic changes in his condition.
He has become very weak, tired and unable to walk. His swallowing has become difficult and he is now on tube feed, he is in need of constant support to deal with these symptoms and mum and dad are with him day and night to support him and each other.

For this reason we have come together as family and friends to help raise funds to support Finnbar with his future needs.

We really appreciate everyone's generosity and support.