Castledawson teenager Jack Bowman 'fought courageously against his illness'

Jack, a son of Margaret and Charles from Riverside South in the village, passed peacefully at his home on Monday.

Jack was a happy and outgoing lad but that changed in 2019 when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

In the run-up to Christmas, his parents launched a fundraising campaign to "give him something special to lift his spirits."

His mum told the Mail that the illness started off with Jack, who was a pupil at Magherafelt High School, developing “a bit of a limp” and finding it increasingly difficult to walk.

His parents took him to Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department, where x-rays were carried out, and juvenile arthritis was diagnosed. He was sent home with painkillers.

Margaret explained that Jack’s condition got worse and they took him back to the hospital where more tests and scans were done.

The tests revealed he had a mass in his abdomen and a biopsy was performed which two weeks later, in August 2019, showed he had a stage four high risk neuroblastoma. Normally this type of neuroblastoma is more prevalent in children under 10.

A death notice on Garvin's Funeral Service states: "It is with the most profound of regrets, that the community has learnt of the passing, peacefully at his home, 15 Riverside South, Castledawson, of teenager Jack Bowman. For some time, this young man fought courageously against illness, a tribute to his spirit, and an inspiration to many others. Devoted son of Margaret and Charles, loving brother of Adam and Chloe, much loved grandson of Linda and Christy (Fleming), also a beloved nephew and cousin, funeral arrangements will be announced later. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, go to Angel Wishes and the Children's Cancer Ward, Royal Victoria Hospital, payable to Garvin's Funeral Service, (Donations A/c), 15 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt. There is no deeper pain felt for parents, than that of losing a child. At just 16 years old, Jack Bowman did not get the opportunity to experience, that which we call "life". For this, heartfelt sympathy is extended from all in the community, to the entire family circle, at this very sad time."

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