Woodie’s Heroes Fundraising for Cancer Fund for Children

Meet Michael

At just 14 years old, Michael Gavin from Kill, Co. Kildare has already faced more than most young people experience in a lifetime.​

Through Woodie's Heroes, Michael is helping raise awareness of Cancer Fund for Children's vital support for families navigating childhood cancer.​

Michael was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2024 following months of medical investigations. He underwent chemotherapy in Dublin before travelling to Germany for specialist radiotherapy treatment.

While doctors focused on Michael's physical recovery, Cancer Fund for Children helped his family navigate the emotional impact of his diagnosis.​

In January 2025, Cancer Support Specialist Marnie McLean-Fay began supporting Michael and his family at home, helping each member ofthe family process everything they had experienced.

Since then, Michael and Marnie have spent time together enjoying activities such as mini golf, cinema trips and escape rooms, giving him atrusted person outside his immediate family to talk to throughout his recovery.

The support also helped Michael's parents and sisters cope with the challenges that childhood cancer brings.

"When you leave hospital, you're trying to process everything," says Michael's mum, Geraldine. "Cancer Fund for Children helped us through that stage and gave all of us the opportunity to talk openly about what we had been through. Marnie became a huge support to our entire family. We would encourage everyone to support Woodie's Heroes because these services make a real difference to families facing the most difficult time in their lives."

Every donation helps Cancer Fund for Children continue providing emotional support to children and families when they need it most.