Hi,

My name is Leanne Brannigan and on 5th April 2026 my life changed forever. My son Fionn tragically lost his life in a single car traffic collision.

On 14 December 2026, he should have been celebrating his 21st birthday. To mark that milestone, I am inviting the community to join a memorial charity hike up Slieve Donard on 12 December, honouring his memory while raising funds for other young people who share his determination to learn a trade.

All proceeds will go towards the Fionn Brannigan Foundation, which I am hoping to set up to help young apprentices with practical costs such as tools and driving lessons—support that could make a real difference to someone trying to find their feet.

Fionn's commitment to his trade took him away from home at just 17, when he moved to England to secure a first-year apprenticeship placement after struggling to find a local opportunity.

I know how much family support mattered during those early years. Through conversations with staff at People 1st, the training provider Fionn completed his apprenticeship with, I came to learn that other young apprentices were trying to manage without that same financial backing.

Some were struggling to afford essential tools and equipment. Others were arriving for training or work without breakfast or lunch. Fionn was lucky, he was away with his baked oats and lunch everyday. When I closed down is bank account, all his transactions were spent on car parts and tools.

We were fortunate that we were able to support him, but so many young people have no financial backing at home. Kids are turning up to job sites hungry without the means to buy food. It is a long day on site.

Working alongside People 1st and its partner, the Building Services Academy in Dunmurry — where Fionn attended classes — the foundation initially hopes to provide four young apprentices with vouchers towards tools or driving lessons.

The aim is to give young people practical help as they work towards becoming qualified, while carrying Fionn’s love of his trade forward through others.

Thank you for taking the time to read this far and if you can't afford to donate please share.

Leanne

Fionn and Lucys Mum x