The Katie Trust

Families Deserve Answers. Families Deserve Truth.

Imagine losing your loved one — told it was suicide, an accident, or that they simply disappeared. But deep down, you know something isn’t right.

You ask questions, but no one listens. The investigation ends, but your pain doesn’t. You are left alone, silenced, and without answers.

That’s why The Katie Trust exists.

We stand beside families when everyone else has walked away. We bring in expert investigators to review cases, fight for answers, and give families either the justice they deserve or the peace of mind they need to grieve.

But we can’t do this without you.

Every donation goes directly towards supporting families in their darkest hours — families who would otherwise be left without a voice.

Help Us Bring Answers to Families in Need

At The Katie Trust, our goals are big — and urgent. As of 23rd October, we are supporting 34 families seeking truth and justice after unexplained or suspicious deaths.

Every investigation carries real costs:

• A desktop autopsy costs more than £2,000

• Extracting and analysing data from a mobile phone costs £1,200

Even £20 allows us to begin helping a family — providing a support pack and initial consultation to guide them through those first difficult steps.

Your donation, no matter the size, helps uncover the truth, challenge neglect, and bring peace to bereaved families who have nowhere else to turn.

Together, we can give them the answers they deserve.

About The Katie Trust

The Katie Trust is an independent charitable organisation established to support families and friends who have lost a loved one in circumstances initially classified as suicide, accident, or disappearance — but where concerns and unanswered questions later emerge.

Founded in Northern Ireland, the Trust assists families across the island of Ireland, UK and beyond. Whether the death occurred at home or abroad, if questions remain and the original investigation falls short, The Katie Trust will act on behalf of the family to seek truth, transparency, and, where necessary, justice.

We offer expert independent reviews of police investigations, carried out by specially selected professionals with relevant and high-level investigative experience. These may include retired detectives, Family Liaison Officers, and Police Search Advisors (POLSA), all matched specifically to the needs of the case. If investigative shortcomings are identified, we will advocate for the case to be elevated and revisited by the appropriate authorities. In cases where no foul play is confirmed, our findings may still provide grieving families with the peace of mind they deserve.

The Katie Trust was founded by retired Detective Sergeant James Brannigan, a former senior investigator with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). D/Sgt Brannigan is internationally recognised for his pioneering work, including leading the first "no-body" murder conviction in the island of Ireland. His experience and determination were instrumental in uncovering the truth behind the murder of Katie Simpson — a case that has shaped the mission and values of the Trust.

Through training, advocacy, and direct support, The Katie Trust aims to strengthen investigative standards across policing and provide a voice for families in their darkest hour. We also offer training to police services, sharing best practices and investigative insights to ensure that the lessons learned are passed on.

The Katie Trust is about listening — truly listening — to families when they need it most, and answering the unanswered.