Michael Patrick Passes Away After Struggle With MND In Hospice Care at 35

By:Shay Hobbs


Michael Campbell, professionally known as Michael Patrick, a Belfast actor, passed away on April 7, 2026, at 35, while in hospice care. Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in Feb. 2023, he continued to be a fierce, active writer and actor. His wife, Naomi Sheehan, made a beautiful tribute to the life he led the day after his passing on April 8, 2026.

Gone Too Soon

Two characters stand in a dimly lit futuristic room, wearing dark, sci-fi themed costumes. They appear to be in a serious conversation. The atmosphere is tense.
Colin Salmon and Michael Patrick in Krypton, courtesy of Phantom Four Films, DC Entertainment, and Warner Horizon Television

According to the BBC, he partook in a drug trial, which was thought to extend his life. This drug trial may have had some benefits, as the actor said he was beginning to get feeling back in his legs on Jan. 7, 2026. It was said that the clinical trial for the terminal illness currently has no cure, but the treatment could help manage its symptoms.

He had begun the trial toward the end of 2024, and through time, he managed to wiggle his toes for the first time in years. He held out hope that it would net further benefits. While he was elated, the drug was actively working; he said he knew he wouldn’t be here much longer, but that it might grant him a couple of extra years.

He said the diagnosis initially was grim and difficult, but with the love of his family and friends, they helped him keep fighting.

Held On Strongly

Despite his diagnosis, he continued to act and write. He won one of the UK’s most prestigious drama awards for his writing and starring in “The Tragedy of Richard III,” which he said was “amazing to bring Shakespeare to Belfast” with his own unique spin. In his version, instead of being born with a disability, he would be recently diagnosed with one similar to the one he was afflicted by.

Campbell told the BBC as well that it may have been an inherited condition, as his father and brother both had it. Until his diagnosis, he never thought it would come for him, too. It doesn’t come as a surprise, as the MND gene is incredibly rare. Campbell’s sister was also taking part in the trial along with him. The trial targets the Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) gene.

His wife said the MND diagnosis was a surprise; the trial, however, had given them hope. It would only be a few months later when he passed away at the Northern Ireland Hospice, surrounded by his loved ones.

Saying Goodbye

In a heart-wrenching post made the day after his passing, his wife posted to Instagram. In the post, she shares that he was admitted 10 days before his passing and had received care from an exceptional team. The family’s hearts are hurting as they say goodbye. They left us with a quote that he loved, which she says felt appropriate.

“The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink, and somebody to love you.”

Notable Works and Credits

A man with red hair, dressed in a vintage outfit, raises his hand in a meeting. The room is filled with attentive people, creating a serious atmosphere.
Michael Patrick from The Keeper, courtesy of Wayward Entertainment, Oddfellows Pictures, and Range Media Partners

He was known for his appearances in TV series such as Game of Thrones, This Town, Blue Lights, and My Left Nut, to name a few.

When she isn't baking or writing, Shay is often found looking at useful tools for parents. Avid android enthusiast and part-time gamer, her passions lay with fact finding and unusual gadgets. Whether it is tech, games, history, the laws that bind us, cooking, or baking, Shay just can't pick one thing.