Community devastated as George Horsman, inspirational Wicklow fundraiser, dies aged 29

Described as a "true gentleman" and a joy to be around, George left an indelible mark on all those around him, including his mother Sarah and his late father Peter, his brothers Harry and William and his partner Aayushi.

In March 2018, George's life was flipped upside down when he was diagnosed with a grade-4 pineoblastoma, a tumour of the pineal gland in the brain, just two months shy of graduating college and starting his professional career.

An eager and attentive student, George had to drop out of college to start his cancer treatment, but after bravely battling the disease, he returned to his studies, graduating with a first-class honours.

Having secured his first job with Ryanair shortly thereafter, George went on to work in Eirtrade before landing a post at Pfizer in Dublin.

Eager to give back to those who helped him get through his cancer journey, George marked being five years free of cancer last October by hiking the highest peak in each of Ireland's four provinces in five days for charities close to his heart.

Endearing himself to members of the Arklow community and beyond, George completed his epic challenge, raising more than €10,000 for Arklow Cancer Support, Headway Ireland, the Beaumont Hospital Foundation, Breast Cancer Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society.

Finishing his treatment in 2019, he spent the following year recovering, before moving back to Dublin to finish his college degree, where he met the love of his life.

Although his various treatments and surgeries left lasting impacts on his health, George persevered to live a full life, finding a "special reason to keep going" after meeting Aayushi.

Having battled so hard to get his life and career back on track, George was dealt another blow when, following an MRI of his brain and back, he was informed by his neurosurgeon that he had untreatable leptomeningeal cancer in his spine and brain, and was given two months to live.

George retired to his family home in Arklow recently, which he and his two brothers inherited three years ago. When he required more help, George and Aayushi stayed with his mother near Rathdrum for four weeks, before he availed of Wicklow Hospice's exceptional care in his final days.

Standing as a testament to his character and charitable nature, George launched an online fundraiser ahead of his 29th birthday – which he celebrated recently with family and friends - in aid of The Friends of St Luke's Cancer Care, Beaumont Hospital Foundation and Arklow Cancer Support, raising €12,620 for the "great causes".

Overjoyed at his birthday celebrations, George turned to social media, writing: "Saturday 10th of August was the best day of my life. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so much love!

Thanking Wicklow Hospice staff, in his last Facebook post, George wrote: "Living in the hospice is the best place for me.

"Although saying that, it has not been easy, the staff that work here do so much for their patients and I'm astounded by the care that is shown. Loss of control is the hardest thing!"

Having been aware of the notion of assisted dying as he waited to hear whether his condition was terminal in 2018, George contemplated why the option is not available to Irish citizens given a definitive diagnosis, and why he couldn't go out on his own terms, surrounded by his loved ones, before his condition deteriorated.

As George explained at the time, if his story could help progress the introduction of national legislation and remove the trauma and pain families suffer, he would take great solace in knowing others may have the option he did not.

Tributes to George's infectious character and unwavering, positive outlook have been pouring in from the Arklow community, his friends, and all those he touched.

Taking to social media, one commenter wrote: "I am so saddened to hear of the passing of George.

"I have followed this young man's journey in his fundraising for cancer, such a lovely guy.

"George celebrated his 29th birthday just recently, far too young to leave this earth. Deepest sympathy is extended to his partner, family, relatives and friends.

"Words just cannot express how devastating this is," another wrote.

"You indeed were a gentleman. Rest and soar on angel's wings, George. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you, Sarah and the entire family.

"May God give you strength during this trying period."

A spokesperson for the Asgard Lodge Nursing Home wrote: "George's courage, strength and kindness in the face of his illness was an inspiration to many in our home and is a reflection of the character bestowed upon him by his loving mum, who stood as a pillar of strength by his side.

"Please know that your second family is thinking of you as you honour and remember his life."

George Horsman will be sadly missed by his sorrowing mum, brothers, partner, Grannie Lily, William's partner Ellie, aunts Emma, Annette and Anne, uncle Michael, cousins, extended family and his wide circle of friends.

George's reposing will take place at Sweeney's Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday.

His removal takes place on Saturday at 12 p.m. to St. Brigid's Church, Kilbride arriving for his funeral service at 12.30 p.m. with burial afterwards in the adjoining churchyard. May he rest in peace.

Donations, if desired, can be made to George's birthday fundraiser at idonate.ie/fundraiser/GeorgeHorsman2.