Charity game for Michael

A VERY special charity match was held on Saturday at the Allen Park 3G pitches.

The Allen Park Legends played FC Moylena to raise much needed funds for 11-year-old Michael McMillen from Randalstown, drawing 3-3.

Michael has been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of primary bone cancer.

He has a tumour located at the base of his spine - a diagnosis no family is ever prepared to hear.

Over the past year, Michael has endured a very difficult journey.

He experienced ongoing pain, and his mother, Cathy, brought him to countless doctors’ visits, private appointments, and referrals, all the while seeking answers.

And when the diagnosis finally came, it was ‘devastating’.

Michael is currently receiving chemotherapy at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Belfast.

His treatment plan will last between nine and 12 months and will include repeated hospital admissions for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.

He will be admitted to the Royal Hospital for three to five days every fortnight for Chemotherapy and he will then also need to travel to Manchester for Radiotherapy treatment for six weeks.

Due to the aggressive nature of the tumour, Michael currently has limited mobility. He experiences muscle weakness and is unable to walk long distances unaided.

As part of his recovery, he will require physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help him regain strength and mobility.

Cathy and her husband Liam have nine children: Joseph (22), Sean (21) - who played in the match on Saturday - , Therese (17), Grace (15), Mary Rose (13), Michael (11), Lucia (7), Noah (5), and Lily (3).

The family was out in force at the weekend to cheer on the teams

Michael misses his siblings deeply and treasures the time he gets to spend with them at home in between treatments.

The funds raised will help support the family with daily living expenses, travel costs, and the necessary journeys to Manchester for radiotherapy. Donations will also help cover items essential to Michael’s care and quality of life, including the installation of a downstairs shower, as Michael is unable to use the upstairs bathroom.

There will also be special dietary supplements and specific nutritional foods; and autism support, focusing on helping Michael manage and regulate his emotions.

Fundraisers will also help with Michael’s educational needs - as well as purchasing any additional specialist equipment to assist Michael’s needs throughout his journey and additional physiotherapy support.

The family also hope to build an extension onto their home.

Michael currently lives in a three-bedroom home with his family and he is sharing a downstairs bedroom while he undergoes treatment and recovery.

With the help of generous donations, building his own bedroom onto the family home will give Michael his own space - something that would make a meaningful difference to his comfort, rest, and recovery.

Aunt Anne Marie Mills has thanked local people for their support to date.

“Michael is an incredibly strong and special boy, full of character, humour, and a smile that lights up every room,” she said.

“He has touched so many lives with his story and continues to inspire everyone around him. Despite the pain, treatment, and uncertainty, Michael shows remarkable courage every single day. Michael also has a diagnosis of ASD, which can make processing the many emotions and changes he is facing even more challenging.

“We are asking for help - not only financially, but also through kindness, prayers, and support.

“Every donation, no matter how small, helps ease the burden on Michael and his family and allows them to focus on what truly matters: Michael’s health and recovery.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to read Michael’s story and for supporting our family during this incredibly difficult time.”

So far they have raised over £30,000, well on their way to the target of £35,000, with over £800 raised at the match on Saturday.

To donate, visit the gofundme page, Help Michael Fight Cancer.