The family of a young Armagh schoolboy who overcame his battle with battled acute myeloid leukaemia are hosting a charity ball in order to raise money for four amazing children’s cancer charities.
St Patrick’s Grammar School pupil, Theo Smyth, received the news that he was in remission in February of this year – on his mum Caroline’s birthday – following his diagnosis the previous July.
And now, his family are hosting the event in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday, October 7 as a way of giving back. All money raised from the event will go towards: Cancer Fund For Children; The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity; Young Lives vs Cancer; and Angel Wishes
His parents recalled: “Our cancer journey started during the school summer holidays in 2022; we were looking forward to a few weeks of fun and family time together. However, our 11-year-old son, Theo, had been feeling unwell for several weeks, experiencing exhaustion and spiking temperatures.
“In mid-July 2022, Theo was admitted to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. On July 22, Theo was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Tragically, this day also coincided with my (Martin’s) mum’s funeral.
“We were scared, helpless and devastated beyond words. Theo stayed in the Children’s Haematology and Oncology Unit in The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, cared for by an amazing team of doctors, nurses, care assistants and therapists, until Christmas Eve 2022. He underwent gruelling treatment and showed so much bravery and maturity in facing something no child should have to.
“During this time, we were supported by four charities, who made life somewhat bearable. Today, with Theo in remission, back at school and looking forward to the future, we would like to honour these charities and thank them for all they did for us. We have organised Theo’s Journey Charity Ball in aid of them.”
Ticket sales, along with all funds raised on the night, will be distributed to these four wonderful charities.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date and Time: Saturday, October 7 | Drinks reception from 6.30pm | Seated for 7.15pm.
Venue: Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Armagh BT60 4FR.
Ticket Price: £750 per table, or £75 for an individual
Entertainment: Music by Pure Blarney | Auction on the Night | Highland and Irish dancers
Dress code: Smart Attire
Added Martin: “We will never be able to fully express our gratitude, but we hope with your help and participation, we can make sure that other families facing childhood cancer experience the same support, generosity, and care that we did.”
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