Geelong’s emotional tribute to AFL fan Henry McMinn, six, who died of cancer just after team photo
Geelong posts heartbreaking tribute to AFL fan, six, who lost his battle with cancer just days after posing with his beloved Cats for a team photo
- Henry McMinn battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- Died of complications related to his treatment
- Club, players and family pay tribute to Henry
The Geelong Cats community is mourning the loss of beloved six-year-old AFL fan Henry McMinn, who passed away on Saturday after battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The boy, described by his mother Naomi Uwland as a “loving brother and a gentle and caring child,” was in remission and undergoing maintenance treatment.
He recently became unwell and was admitted to hospital, where his condition rapidly deteriorated.
Henry’s mother said he had been treated with a chemotherapy drug related to blood clots, and blood clots had filled his body, starting at the kidneys.
Henry’s parents Scott McMinn and Naomi Uwland hug their son Henry as he is hospitalized for treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia
Henry was thrilled to get a photo with his heroes at the Geelong Cats a few days before he died, as the club posted the photo and a tribute
‘It just shouldn’t have happened like this,’ Mrs Uwland told the Geelong Advertiser.
“He was such a fighter, so strong. It wasn’t the cancer that took our boy.
“He watched the Discovery Channel and learned more about animals than watching cartoons — he was a bit of an old soul.
“Everyone was attracted to him. There was something about him that touched people.’
Tributes have poured in for Henry, who touched the lives of those around him in a way his young age belied.
Geelong Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield wore a black armband during Sunday’s game against Essendon and star striker Jeremy Cameron paid tribute with a Shaka sign in Henry’s honour.
Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield shared this image of teammate Jeremy Cameron doing the shaka sign for Henry in their match against Essendon
The club also posted a tribute on social media that read ‘Fly high Henry’.
Earlier this year we had the pleasure of welcoming Henry to our team photo day where he inspired us all with his strength and positivity.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing and send our thoughts to his family, friends and everyone who had the opportunity to meet him.”
Former Geelong skipper Joel Selwood, who recently became a father, also responded to the tribute with love hearts.
The community has gathered around Henry’s family and a GoFundMe page has been set up to fund the funeral and support the family.
Henry’s father Scott McMinn has made it clear on social media that it was cancer treatment that led to Henry’s passing.
This is the hardest thing to write. But I feel like I have to, so everyone knows our Henry died cancer free… Sons bury fathers, not fathers bury sons. I will always love your father’s little farmer… I am lost, upset, devastated and angry.”