The heartbroken mum of a brave Co Down teenager who 'defied all the odds' has led tributes following her death from cancer.
Julia Okon, 15, from Saintfield, died peacefully on January 30, surrounded by her loving family.
The Year 12 student at Lagan College was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumour a few years ago and underwent an operation and treatment but unfortunately the tumour returned last year.
Read more: Daughter's tribute to NI dad who fell to his death in freak accident
She is survived by her parents Dorota, Artur and younger brother Daniel, 10. Sadly, Dorota and Julia were diagnosed with cancer just two years apart. Julia was only seven when she found out she had a brain tumour, then her mum was told she had bowel cancer.
Julia's family, who are originally from Poland but moved to Northern Ireland from London over four years ago, say she was a fighter and someone who "defied all odds".
They have remembered her as "a ray of sunshine" and someone who lit up every room she entered and say anyone who was lucky enough to have met Julia knows just how special she was.
Dorota told Belfast Live: "Julia was just seven when she started getting headaches and then the doctors found that she had a benign brain tumour. In 2020 she started getting headaches again and it was discovered that the tumour had changed and was malignant this time.
"She was rushed into hospital for an emergency operation and had 90% of the tumour removed. After that she had radiotherapy and chemotherapy but a few months later the cancer came back again."
Last March, the mother and daughter joined dozens of families to take part in The Mile in My Shoes event, donning their favourite footwear for the walk through Antrim Castle Gardens.
"Julia was one of the organisers of the event, even though she was in a wheelchair for most of the time. But she managed to walk a mile by herself, pushing her wheelchair in front of her," Dorota added.
"I was her greatest supporter and she bore with her illness with grace and dignity. She was an extraordinary child and the most selfless person I have ever known, someone so full of kindness.
"She was very musical too and even managed to teach herself the ukulele. She loved playing hockey too at school. Everyone knew Julia because of her bright smile and when she walked it into a room, it lit up."
Despite her illness and even when she lost her mobility, Dorota says her daughter was still always thinking of other people and put them ahead of herself.
"She was always thinking about what she could do in the future to help, especially other children facing illness in terms of how to cope," she added.
"The doctors and nurses in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children said they'd never met a patient like Julia because of her bravery and positive attitude. She would never complain about being in pain and always said she was ok because she never wanted anyone to worry about her.
"She was in hospital for three weeks before she died and we managed to get her home on a Friday but she died the following Monday morning."
Since Julia's untimely passing, just weeks before her 16th birthday, many people have reached out asking what they can do to help, prompting family friends to set up a GoFundMe donation page to help the family financially during this difficult time.
Requiem Mass to celebrate Julia’s life took place in St Bernadette’s Parish in Belfast last Saturday and her family had requested anyone attending the funeral to wear something colourful.
In a statement, Lagan College's vice principal Danielle Collins said the school community had lost "a shining star".
She added: "Lagan College is deeply saddened by the loss of Julia Okon, one of our Year 12 students. Julia was an inspiration to all and taught us to live each day to the fullest, with a beaming smile.
"We have lost a shining star from our school community. Heartfelt condolences from the students, staff and governors of Lagan College."
Many other tributes have also been paid to Julia on social media since news emerged of her untimely passing last week.
East Belfast football club, Dungoyne FC, where her brother Daniel is a player, was among those paying tribute.
They said: "Everyone at Dungoyne FC would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the Okon family on the passing of Julia, sister of our 2012s player Daniel.
"While not a footballer herself, Julia was a big part of the 2012s family whether helping out with the tuck shop or cheering on Daniel she was always there with a big smile on her face.
"Following her diagnosis she was also involved in fundraising efforts and raising awareness through Children In Need despite fighting her own battle.
"Our heartfelt condolences go to Artur, Dorokta and Daniel at this time. Rest in peace Julia."
A spokesperson for Dundela Football Club added: "Dundela FC send its condolences to our Academy Partners Dungoyne FC following the very sad news of the passing of young Julia Olivia Okon.
"Julia is the older sister of Dungoyne FC academy player Daniel Okon. Julia loved supporting her brother every week and also helped the team in the club tuck shop. Julia also did a lot of work for children in need even though she battled her own illness.
"Dundela FC sends our sincere condolences to parents Artur and Dorokta and the entire family circle, and to all our friends at Dungoyne FC."
READ NEXT:
- Meet the woman who found comfort in traditional dance after loss of husband
- James McClean's wife Erin announces arrival of fourth child
Daniel O’Donnell on his family's pain following death of sister
Westlife's Shane Filan opens up about losing both parents just nine months apart
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
