I GAVE MY BROTHER A BABY

Charley Mellon, 37, made her brother's dream come true

Hurtling along the street, my brother overtook me and began to sprint towards our house. Patrick was two years younger than me and always had a streak of mischief about him. It was May 2000, we were on our way home from school and I had a second sense that he'd spring a surprise on me when I reached the house.

I tried to push open the front door but something was stopping me. Gales of laughter erupted from the other side. Patrick had opened the toilet door just behind our front door, blocking me from getting into the house. I had to wait until his mirth subsided and he eventually let me in.

Another time I arrived home to be met with a soaking as Patrick aimed a water pistol at me. 'Got you,' came his cheeky voice, followed by his familiar roar of laughter. I pretended to be annoyed, but it was impossible to be mad at live wire Patrick for long. I was one of six siblings and would clap along as E Patrick and our younger sister Aileen spun out crazy hip-hop routines.

His personality was infectious. But I knew Patrick was different and so did the kids in our street - he was called names.

When he was 19, he turned to me said, You know I'm gay?" I nodded I'd guessed. Our family was proud of him and wanted him to be happy.

Patrick's zest for life always saw him the first one on the dance floor, but there wasn't much of a gay scene in Derry in 2006. I'd been dating my partner Damian since I was 17 and when our son Charlie was born in September 2014, Patrick was the doting uncle with lots of cuddles, but I always hoped he'd find someone special.

I was thrilled when he began chatting online to someone. And, after a few months, when he introduced me to Jon in 2015, I felt sure Patrick had found The One.

Jon was a good influence on Patrick coaxing and supporting him to give up smoking and encouraging him to pass his driving test. 

BIG DECISION