In Memory of Ethan Anthony Flannigan

Ethan’s Legacy – Planting Trees & Supporting Preeclampsia Research

Our beautiful son Ethan was born 14 weeks early on 22nd January 2025, after Leanne developed severe preeclampsia. From his very first breath, he showed incredible strength and courage.

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition that causes high blood pressure, organ damage, and can lead to seizures. It poses a significant risk to both mother and baby, and in Leanne’s case, it led to Ethan’s extremely premature delivery in order to save both of their lives.

Because of how early he arrived, Ethan’s lungs were very underdeveloped. He was diagnosed with Chronic Lung Disease and spent his entire life ventilated. Despite everything he faced, he filled our days with love, hope, and a quiet bravery that inspired everyone who knew about him.

On 16th May 2025, at just 4 months old, Ethan passed away peacefully in our arms.

To honour his short but powerful life, we are planting trees in his memory. One of Ethan’s consultants once shared a beautiful analogy: lungs are like upside-down trees—the trachea is the trunk, the bronchi the branches, and the alveoli the leaves. Sadly, Ethan’s lungs were too premature to develop those “leaves.”

It feels right that his legacy should live on through trees—things that breathe, grow, and give life to the world around them.

This GoFundMe is for those who’ve asked how they can honour Ethan’s life. Every donation will help us plant trees that will stand tall in his name. We’ll be sharing every step of this journey, so his story continues to grow.

Any remaining funds will be split between:

• Oldham Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where Ethan received the majority of his care.

• Tommy’s Pregnancy and Baby Loss Charity, which provides both a Research Centre and The Rainbow Clinic at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester—where we spent the final weeks of Ethan’s life. The research centre is working to better understand and prevent preeclampsia, a condition for which the only treatment is early delivery. The Rainbow Clinic provides specialist care for women who have experienced pregnancy complications leading to neonatal loss, supporting them through future pregnancies.

Thank you for helping us keep Ethan’s memory growing.

With love,

Anthony and Leanne