An Armagh mum of four “fabulous” adult children has launched a desperate appeal to help bring her terminally ill son and his teen daughter home from Australia after he was given just two years to live.
Caroline Anderson – originally of Armagh and now living in Dollingstown – is mum to “the most wonderful son”, Stephen McCartan (nee Anderson).
Stephen, now in his late 40s, emigrated to Australia 19 years ago. He is a single father to a 14-year-old girl and, sadly, just one-and-a-half years ago was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after people began to question why he was suddenly slurring his speech.
The diagnosis is terminal and the condition is both progressive and incredibly debilitating. As such, his family in Co Armagh are doing all in their power to try and raise a whopping £60,000 to get him and his daughter home.
Speaking to Armagh I, Caroline explained: “This is fast rapid. I was over in Australia two years ago and before we went out I noticed him talking very, very slow and slurred you have thought he had been drinking.
“He always said ‘no mum, I haven’t been it’s just the way my speech is'”.
His sisters and a nurse friend began to push him to seek medical advice. Begrudgingly, Stephen went.
The family were in Vietnam for five days’ holiday when they arrived, he received a phone call to say he had Kennedy’s Disease – a progressive condition which causes progressive weakness and wasting of muscles – however, it was not considered life-limiting.
While it was devastating blow the family felt that at least he would have his daughter raised into adulthood and there might potentially be a cure found in that time.
However, when he came home he was told it wasn’t Kennedy’s Disease. He received several other possible diagnoses but no definitive answer.
In December 2024, Caroline herself had taken critically unwell. Stephen flew home to be with her. He knew at that time he had MND but didn’t tell Caroline until she had recovered and was out of hospital.
Once back in Oz, Stephen worked on as a lorry driver until March 2025 when he found he could no longer continue.
Speaking proudly of her son’s career, Caroline explained that Stephen had been one of the first chefs at Armagh City Hotel when it first opened. He had held a long career in the kitchen, with a spell in The Slieve Donard, Newcastle and Clenaghans, Aghalee too.
It isn’t just his working life that fills Caroline with pride, but also his overall conduct throughout the incredible life he’s had in the last forty-odd years.
“He got Chef of the Year for Northern Ireland when he was 21, he was so dedicated at what he does,” continued Caroline. “He has travelled the world, lived in Papua New Guinea and Uluru, in challenging conditions and what have you. He’s contributed to the world big time, now he needs a contribution in return.
“I couldn’t ask for a better son. He’s a Christian, a devout Christian and has travelled the world to work with charities. And he’s the most incredible and devoted father.”
Today, his condition has deteriorated rapidly. He is now in a wheelchair, requires round-the-clock care, and has recently undergone major surgery to have a PEG feeding tube fitted.
Unable to hold his head up for extended periods of time, Caroline says they have been advised he will have to travel business class home from Australia. With their entire lives moving from one side of the world to the other, Stephen and his daughter will be accompanied by Caroline, her youngest son Ryan and a nurse.
Ryan – who is travelling to bring Stephen and his daughter home – has a “special bond” with his brother, explains Caroline. While they are nine years apart in age, they share the same birthday.
This all-in-all is expected so far to set them back £24,000 alone. And with fuel costs on the rise, Caroline is conscious of timing before these prices rise further.
When asked when she hoped to have him home, Caroline said: “Just as soon as we can get the money gathered up.”
And, she’s not relying on her fundraising effort, although one has been launched via GoFundMe. Caroline is also working every hour she can – sometimes close to 80 hours per week – to try and add to the pot.
“I put my life savings into buying a new home that was suitable for Stephen’s needs and there’s no doubt I have left myself short”.
In recent weeks Caroline has had an architect out to assess the suitability of adding a specially adapted modular annex added to the side of the house to support Stephen’s needs long term.
Aside from the travel costs, Caroline is also hoping to raise enough for specialist travel insurance and further home modifications – including the annex – to make Stephen comfortable in his final years.
With clear and obvious pain in her voice, she said she feels as though she is “grieving”.
The family’s only wish is to have Stephen surrounded by “love, care and support” and to ensure his beloved daughter has a strong family unit around her for when she will need it most.
“As a mother, this is the most heart-breaking experience I could ever face,” said Caroline. “No parent should have to watch their child deteriorate before their eyes.”
The GoFundMe page opened by the family has already received just over £1,500 but they have a long way to go to meet their target.
Of a surprise donation received, she added: “Someone anonymously donated £200 and I couldn’t believe. Myself and my daughters just burst into tears. People really can be so kind.
“Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to us.”
Make a contribution to Stephen’s GoFundMe page here.
