Declan McGee, 42, was a caring electrician and farmer who supported his mum, before he was diagnosed with brain cancer and died in January 2025
The family of a young man who died after being diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma at just 40 years old are paying tribute to his memory this Christmas through Evora Hospice’s Light Up a Life ceremony.
Declan McGee was the youngest of four children, working as a proud electrician during the day and dedicating his evenings to farming. A kind and compassionate person, he resided with and cared for his mum in Dungannon.
His sister, Julie, described him as truly “everyone’s blue-eyed boy”. Following months of debilitating headaches in 2023, Declan received the diagnosis of a Grade 4 Glioblastoma. Exactly one year later, he was rushed to hospital after experiencing severe brain seizures, where his family received the heartbreaking news that he had just weeks remaining.
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As his health deteriorated, ensuring his comfort became paramount. On December 3, 2024, Declan was admitted to Evora Hospice, where he was provided with continuous care around the clock, reports Belfast Live.
Julie reflected: “Though he could no longer speak, Declan was never alone. Someone was always by his side to ease and reassure him. It brought such relief to us all knowing Declan wasn’t alone or in danger.
“At the young age of 42, after a brave battle with cancer, Declan passed away peacefully on 2nd January 2025. We would have loved to take Declan home during his last weeks of life. The truth, however, we feared that he would be in pain, and as a family, decided that the hospice was the best and right choice for Declan to ensure he remained comfortable and pain free.
“The doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplain, and volunteers are the very heart of the hospice. They are incredible at what they do, carrying out their work with such love, respect, and compassion for those who need it most.”
Julie reassured that while the initial visit to the hospice can be intimidating, your loved ones “are in the best hands they can be”.
“We were so appreciative of the care Declan and ourselves received,” she further expressed.
In tribute to Declan and the outstanding care he was given, the McGee family organised a fundraising event in September this year, amassing over £51,000 for Evora Hospice. Backed by Gordons Chemists and Killowen Contracts, the Light Up a Life gathering has become one of the community’s most treasured annual events.
On Wednesday November 26 in Dungannon, Friday December 5 in Craigavon, and Thursday December 11 in Newry, families, friends and supporters congregated to honour and remember their loved ones in a touching manner, lighting up a Christmas tree with each bulb serving as a heartfelt reminder of a life cherished.
