Wednesday 19th March, 2025 at 4:58pm
Jags fans in attendance at Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Ayr United would have been pleased to see the impact of Aidan Fitzpatrick from the bench, helping secure an excellent three points.
Also noticeable was Aidan’s new ‘hairstyle’ – his head shaved to the bone – leading to a number of online comments which Aidan’s wider family are happy for the club to respond to officially and provide the story behind this to Thistle supporters.
Going back to last September, Aidan’s mum Michelle Rooney reported feeling unwell. Just two months later following tests Michelle was informed she had cancer which required her to remain in hospital for further tests and scans. Following ongoing care and tests by specialists at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, it was determined earlier this year that Michelle would undergo an initial six-week programme of intense chemotherapy treatment, followed by five weeks of radiotherapy, to target the cancer. Specialists remain hopeful it can be treated.
Tomorrow marks week five of the initial six-week chemotherapy treatment during which Aidan’s family have been fully supporting Michelle, at the same time as the club have been providing as much support as possible to Aidan and his family too, including flowers sent to Michelle on behalf of everyone at Firhill. Aidan’s shaved head is a symbol of solidarity with his mum as she goes through this treatment.
We know supporters won’t be slow to offer their own support to Michelle, Aidan and the family as they navigate their way through the weeks and months ahead. From a footballing perspective Aidan is to be commended for the focus he has managed to maintain in training and on matchdays and he can be assured of the full support of all at the club when Raith Rovers visit the Wyre Stadium at Firhill this Friday.
The most important person here is of course Michelle and everyone at Partick Thistle Football Club passes on their very best wishes and positive thoughts for what lies ahead.
Anyone reading this who is inspired to do something to make a difference can make a donation to the Beatson Cancer Charity here: https://fundraising.beatsoncancercharity.org/donate/donate/25/SinglePayment
