My name is Suzie and I'm setting up this GoFund.me to help my friend and her boys at this very tragic time.

In the early hours of the 12th of October, a family’s world was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. Our dear friend Barry had his life take at the age of 44. Barry’s partner Katie lost the love of her life and her best friend, while their four children lost their devoted dad.

It’s impossible to comprehend the pain that Katie and the boys are enduring. Barry was known to everyone as a funny, kind and caring man – a loyal friend, a loving partner, and an incredible father. He was deeply dedicated to his job which he loved with An Post and took immense pride in providing for his family. Above all, he cherished every moment with his children: Jayden (17), Jaxon (10), Archie (9), and Bodhi (2).

Life had already tested Katie and Barry in the past. Ten years ago, their world was turned upside down when Jaxon, at just 3 days old, was rushed into intensive care and diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Katie and Barry never left his side, and thanks to their strength and prayers, Jaxon pulled through. However, the illness left lasting affects – brain damage on the left side causing speech and learning difficulties.

Despite these challenges, Jaxon is a bright, happy and energetic little boy. Yet he continues to need ongoing care and will so all his life, including regular developmental assessments, speech and language therapy, and more.

Now, as Katie faces the heart-breaking loss of Barry while continuing to care for their boys, the road ahead will be unimaginably difficult.

As Barry was the main provider for his family, we are hoping to offer some support through this GoFundMe. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help secure the boy’s future – from ongoing medical care for Jaxon to future education costs for the other boys. Your kindness would mean the world to Katie and her family, and we would be deeply grateful for any support you can give.