Heartbroken family of Armagh schoolgirl tell of her ‘incredible spirit’ following cancer death aged 14

The family of an Armagh schoolgirl who battled a rare form of cancer have told how she would be remembered for her “incredible spirit” following her death.

Katie-Rose McKeown (14) died at her Moy Road home on Thursday.

Her mother Una told The Irish News that their daughter was “resilient and courageous” and described how they were “so proud of her in everything she achieved”.

Katie Rose was seven when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in March 2018.

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She underwent surgery and treatment during her cancer battle, while a fundraising campaign was launched as her family sought alternative treatments.

Despite her health remaining “stable” last year, Una said the teenager became unwell in October, resulting in spinal cord compression as they “began to see a regression of her disease”.

Wanting to nurse Katie Rose at home “where we know she was most happiest”, six weeks ago she was discharged from hospital.

“She was resilient and courageous right through this entire journey,” she said.

“Her mobility and quality of life had been reduced, so instead of inflicting more pain, we treated her symptoms rather than her disease.

“We always had hope for her, she went through so much trauma and suffering, but never said anything about it - she just got on with it.

“Last year has been one of her best years, she was able to get on with life more and do things she wanted to do, like pony camp at the Orchard Stables.”

Una said over the past seven years, they had tried all they could to find a care for their daughter, including travelling to New York for treatment.

“We went to the ends of the earth for her, we would have done anything,” she said.

“She was a unique child in so many ways, it was complex with her cancer and she was type one diabetic, but she was resilient and courageous throughout it all.

“She had this incredible spirit. She may have been petite, but she was a big character and witty.

“She loved animals and was a bit of shopaholic too and had such a love for lorries, her father and his family have a haulage business and she loved going in the lorry to Dublin or Belfast.

“And even though she was absent a lot from school, she had an unbelievable circle of friends, her phoned never stopped.”

Una added: “We tried to fulfil anything she asked for, she was special and we knew our time with her was limited.

“That’s why I want now to be a celebration of her life, she never wanted to be known because of her cancer, she just got on with things.

“We’re so proud of her in everything she achieved.”

St Catherine’s College, where Katie Rose was a pupil, said she was a “bright and courageous young soul who brought light to the lives of those who knew her”.

“Though her illness often kept her away from the classroom, she remained a cherished member of our school community,” principal Noeleen Tiffney said.

“Despite her struggles, she radiated determination and warmth.

“Her laughter, creativity and little heart left an indelible mark on all of us.

“Though her time with us was far too short, her legacy of perseverance will continue to inspire. Katie-Rose taught us to cherish every moment and to face life’s challenges with bravery.”

Numerous tributes have also been posted online, including one from St Colmcille’s GFC, which said Katie Rose “touched the hearts of so many in our community”.

Katie Rose’s funeral will take place at Church of St Colmcille, Knockaconey on Monday at 11am.