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Irish actor Michael Patrick, known for his work on Game of Thrones, shared a stark health update two months before his death at 35. In a candid Instagram post he revealed a limited prognosis and described difficult choices about treatment, while expressing gratitude for friends, family and supporters.
What Michael Patrick shared in his last Instagram update
In early February, Patrick posted a personal health update to his followers. He said his neurologist estimated he had about left to live, though the doctor could not be exact. He also held out hope that a clinical drug trial might extend his time.
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The post included an image of Patrick in a hospital wheelchair, holding his godson, Micheál, with a breathing tube visible. He wrote about being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in February 2023 and about facing the advancing effects of the illness.
Why he chose not to have a tracheostomy
After a week-long hospital stay in Ireland with his wife, Naomi Sheehan, Patrick discussed options with medical teams. He ultimately decided against a tracheostomy.
- Doctors warned the procedure would likely require a prolonged in-hospital recovery.
- Staffing shortages meant he might not return home for six to 12 months.
- Patrick did not want to spend a significant portion of his remaining time confined to a hospital bed.
He thanked social workers, politicians and hospital leaders for their efforts, but said the lack of staff made the operation impractical for his goals.
How Motor Neuron Disease affected him
What MND does to the body
Motor Neuron Disease attacks the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. Over time it impairs walking, breathing, speaking and swallowing. This progressive loss of motor function shaped Patrick’s care decisions.
His experience and outlook
Patrick described entering what he called the “final stages” of life but emphasized that he still had plans and things to live for. He wanted time with loved ones and sought specialist care outside a long hospital stay.
Fundraising, care plans and community support
Patrick and his team set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills and specialized care. The campaign also aimed to fund the tracheostomy costs if it became feasible.
- The fundraiser raised more than £110,505 (about $129,184) as reported after his death.
- Patrick said donations would be redirected toward in-home specialist care when the surgery was not performed.
- He expressed deep gratitude for the generosity and support he received.
Announcement from his wife and hospice details
Patrick’s wife later announced he died peacefully in hospice care in Ireland. In her message she described feeling “broken-hearted” and praised the fullness of his life. She also thanked everyone who supported them during the illness.
Sheehan’s post reflected both mourning and appreciation for the community that surrounded them through his decline and final days.
