"Last night, Mick sadly passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice,” she wrote. Patrick had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on Feb. 1, 2023.
"He was admitted 10 days ago and was cared for by the incredible team there. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends,” his wife wrote. "Words can’t describe how broken-hearted we are.”
“It’s been said more than once that Mick was an inspiration to everyone who was privileged enough to come into contact with him, not just in the past few years during his illness but in every day of his life,” she said. “He lived a life as full as any human can live. Joy, abundance of spirit, infectious laughter. A titan of a ginger haired man.”
However, he decided against the procedure after learning the hospital lacked adequate staff.
“I had confirmation from it would be around 6-12 months before I could get home due to lack of staffing resources,” he wrote, thanking everyone who tried to help. “Everyone has tried so hard, but there just isn't the staff.”
“My neurologist gave us the news that I likely have about 1 year left,” he wrote, adding that he wanted to prioritize his remaining time outside the hospital. “I don’t want to risk a significant amount of that time being in a hospital bed.”
He said he still had “lots to live for and lots planned.”
Motor neurone disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord controlling muscle movement.
The disease causes muscle weakness and mobility issues, and can lead to speech, swallowing, and breathing difficulties in later stages. There is no cure.
The film follows a young Belfast man who reconnects with his estranged father after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
"The film is a story, supported by NI Screen and inspired by Michael’s diagnosis with motor neurone disease and serves as a proof of concept for a returnable series in development," states Two Cities Television.
He co-wrote the BBC Three series “My Left Nut,” based on his own teenage experiences. He played a Wildling in “Game of Thrones” and has over 20 acting credits, including Blue Lights and This Town.
His wife said, “We are so grateful for every person who supported us through the last few years.”
“Mick loved this quote from Brendan Behan and this feels appropriate now: “The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.”