Fundraiser set up for Derry girl battling aggressive bone cancer

A Derry mother of four has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for her 17-year-old daughter who is currently undergoing treatment in Belfast.

Laura Black is behind the GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs of home adaptations, travel for hospital stays in Belfast, and to support Aoife and her younger siblings during this incredibly difficult time.

Aoife, who is going into upper sixth form at Thornhill College in September to complete her A Level, was diagnosed earlier this summer with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer that has already spread to her lungs.

Her life has completely changed, instead of enjoying school and time with her friends, she’s now undergoing intensive chemotherapy and preparing for major surgery. She’s also wheelchair-bound and bed-bound, meaning her family urgently needs to adapt their home so she can have a safe, comfortable space downstairs when she’s able to be there.

Since the launch of the GoFundMe page over £13,000 has currently been donated.

Posting on GoFundMe, Laura Black said: “Our beautiful daughter Aoife is just 17-years-old and facing the biggest battle of her life. Earlier this summer, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.

“What began as pain in her leg, something we thought might be nothing serious, turned out to be a tumour. We later learned the cancer had already spread to her lungs, making her fight even tougher.

“Since then, Aoife’s life has changed completely. Instead of focusing on school, friends, and all the normal parts of teenage life, she is undergoing intensive chemotherapy and spending long weeks in hospital in Belfast. In around two months’ time, she is scheduled for major surgery on her leg, and possibly her lung too, depending on how treatment goes.

“Before her diagnosis, Aoife was active, fun-loving, and full of energy. She trained in taekwondo, which she loved, and our family always made time for movie nights or games nights together at the weekends. These simple traditions meant the world to us.

“Now, our family life has been divided, with one parent in Belfast with Aoife while the other stays home with her younger siblings. It has been incredibly hard for us all, especially for her brothers Oliver (10), Oscar (8), and little sister Ivy-Mae (4), who miss their big sister so much.

“Aoife has always been known as our little smiler. From the time she was a baby, she had a way of lighting up every room she walked into, and even now, through this fight, her smile rarely fades. Her courage, warmth, and determination shine through each day, and the smallest surprises - like a blind bag or a new Monster High doll - can light up her whole face.

“She has also shown incredible determination to carry on with her A Levels. Even when her hospital team suggested it might be too much, Aoife insisted on trying. Her strength and focus on her education remind us every day that she is not just fighting cancer, she is fighting for her future.

“We are fundraising to help ease some of the pressures that come with Aoife’s treatment and recovery:

“Creating a safe space for Aoife at home:- We would love to build an extension to give her a downstairs bedroom. As her treatment continues and mobility becomes more difficult, having her own space downstairs will make life much easier and more comfortable.

“Supporting travel and accommodation costs:- Much of Aoife’s treatment takes place in Belfast, which means long journeys and overnight stays. These costs quickly add up, but being by her side through everything is our top priority.

“Keeping Aoife’s spirits high:- From blind bags to Monster High dolls, these small gifts bring Aoife moments of joy during the hardest days, and we love being able to surprise her with them.

“As a family, we are normally very private and would never have imagined setting up a fundraiser like this. Asking for help does not come easily to us. But right now, we simply cannot do this alone, and every bit of support means the world.

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“Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards making Aoife’s journey a little lighter, helping us adapt our home, cover the ongoing costs of treatment, and keep her surrounded with comfort and love.

“More than anything, we just want Aoife to feel at home, surrounded by love, with her siblings by her side again.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Aoife and walking with us through this journey ❤️.”

Click here to donate to Aoife's fundraiser.