Late Andrew, 13, remembered as someone deeply loved by all
Mcfarland family speak of how much everyone loved their late son
THE heartbroken mother of the late Andrew Mcfarland, 13, has described him as the “best boy in the world”.
Andrew, from Trillick, was diagnosed with Batten disease – the common name for a broad class of rare, fatal, inherited disorders of the nervous system – in 2017.
He passed away peacefully in his mother Joanne’s arms at the South West Acute Hospital on Tuesday, October 18.
Andrew’s family – parents Joanne and Graham, and sister, Faith – led mourners at his funeral service held at Omagh Free Presbyterian Church.
Paying loving tribute to her late son, Joanne told mourners: “He was beautiful and precious, and we as a family would like to thank everyone who loved him or ever did any small thing to please him.”
THE mother of the late 13-year-old Andrew Mcfarland has paid tribute to the “best boy in the world”.
Andrew, from Trillick, was diagnosed with Batten disease – the common name for a broad class of rare, fatal, inherited disorders of the nervous system – also known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, or NCLS, in 2017.
He passed away peacefully in his mother Joanne’s arms at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) on Tuesday, October 18.
At his funeral last Friday at Omagh Free Presbyterian Church, Joanne spoke of the impact Andrew made during his life; the love he showed and received, and the support she, husband Graham, and daughter Faith, received from friends and family.
She said: “Some of you have known Andrew all his life. Some of you have only known him after we learned the words ‘Batten disease’. Some of you have seen him laugh, run and play as little boys do. Some of you have only seen him after Batten disease took those things from him.
“And while no one in this world loves and will miss Andrew as much as Graham, Faith and myself, everyone who met him loved him.
“Throughout his life, he was the happiest, most contented, loveable and loving child.
‘Beautiful and precious’
“He was so agreeable and always said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. No, he wasn’t perfect – he had a sadistic sense of humour, and even one of his schoolteachers told us he giggled so much when he was scolding other pupils – but he was beautiful and precious, and we as a family would like to thank everyone who loved him or ever did any small thing to please him.”
Joanne spoke of the care and attention Andrew received from doctors, nurses and staff in the SWAH Children’s Ward, as well as the community and specialist nurses who cared for him at home.
“When we went to an appointment, it seemed as though there were no other patients to be seen – everyone was crowded around Andrew.
“He knew he was loved there. And we very much appreciate the sendoff Andrew was given as he left the Children’s Ward for the last time on Tuesday.
“We also thank the staff at Willowbridge and Kilskeery Independent Christian School. At both schools, Andrew had the best of care and love. I’m not sure who enjoyed the kisses and cuddles more – Andrew or the staff!”
One memory Joanne recalled of Andrew was one of his last days as a pupil at Kilskeery: “Just after we got his diagnosis, Andrew was at his school praise night.
“It was his last one as a pupil at Kilskeery. He had been out to the toilet, and as he came back in, Reverend Mcdermott asked: ‘Are you saved?’ At that point in his message, as clear as anything, his wee boy voice said, ‘I n’am’. We believe Andrew is in glory.”
Church was another place Andrew was much loved, and is a place that his family can draw comfort from in the days to come. He loved attending Children’s meetings, Lifeliners, Sunday School and Church services.
‘A lovely smile’
“His face often lit up and he got really excited when he heard the singing start. He had a lovely smile on Sunday morning when Claire and Calvin began to play.
“We really appreciate all the help given in getting Andrew into church,” said Joanne.
She aded: “Andrew loved music, especially children’s choruses and Country Music.
“A number of his favourite singers visited him or sent video messages throughout the years, and that really thrilled him.
“We are very grateful to Lisa, Nathan, Paul and Hugo, amongst others, for being so good to Andrew.”
Joanne also gave thanks to friends and family who called in to visit or videocall Andrew and Faith, as well as help out.
“For the meals prepared and brought to us, the washing or ironing done, groceries left in the cupboards, for the extra work taken on in the farm when Graham was needed at home. These things gave us more time with Andrew, and were really appreciated.”
The Mcfarland family have faith that they will meet their precious boy in Heaven once again, and that he is now free from pain as “Jesus took Andrew by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose into glory”.
“Andrew Mcfarland, you are the best boy in the world. Your beautiful smile, your great giggles and your lovely big hugs could make anyone happy, and we are extremely blessed to have you as our son and brother,” continued Joanne.
Following the funeral service at Omagh Free Presbyterian Church, Andrew was buried at Fintona Cemetery.
Andrew was the most precious only son of Graham and Joanne, a dearly loved brother of Faith, and a much-loved grandson, nephew, cousin to the Mcfarland and Mccracken family circles and beloved by many.
Funeral arrangements were by Adams and Pollock Funeral Directors, Omagh.
A REVIEW of General Surgery Services across the Western Trust ordered by Chief Executive Neil Guckian in April this year is still ‘not completed’.
At the time, he stressed: “Any proposed changes to services would be subject to consultation and the [Western] Trust would fully intend to consult widely on any proposed change that may be required or accepted by our Trust Board.”
The Western Health and
Social Care Trust has also insisted no cut-off date has been set for consultant surgeons to be appointed at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), or when emergency surgical services will cease.
SWAH staff members – who spoke on condition they were not identified – said the current situation around emergency surgical services has reached crisis point.
It was known there are currently three surgeons in post from a potential cohort of six; however, of these, one is moving to another hospital in a different Health and Social Care Trust, another (locum) has resigned, and the third is due to go off on leave.
Mr. Guckian briefed Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Health and Social Services Subcommittee meeting on October 19 on the current position, and told members of the necessity to be “up front with the public”.
However, he insisted other details were discussed confidentially, to the exclusion of public and Press.
Clarification was sought from the Western Trust along with an explanation on why specific elements of the information were not included.
In response, a Trust spokesperson referred back to the original statement, adding: “Emergency General Surgery at the SWAH has three current staff surgeons being supported by locums.
“As stated in our statement, we have been notified of forthcoming changes in the staff team which, unless restored, will leave it impossible to sustain a safe emergency general surgery service at the hospital.
“Of the three permanent consultants, one has resigned and one is taking planned leave.
“The Trust has not confirmed any dates and, as stated in our attached statement, no decision or recommendation has been made by the Trust Board to the Department of Health.”
It remains unclear what detail was provided in the confidential session of the meeting.
A Departmental spokesperson said: “The statement of October 17 made clear that it had been notified of forthcoming expected changes in the SWAH general surgery staff.
“The Minister’s position remains as stated in his press statement issued on the same date.”
Meanwhile, when asked to provide a copy of the Western Trust Review into General Surgical Service Provision, the first phase of which was to examine emergency surgery provision, with a report and recommendations expected in the summer, a spokesperson advised it “has not been completed”.