A grieving mother who launched a fundraiser in memory of her son has now raised £3,250 – more than three-times her original target – to help pay for a private ADHD assessment and follow-up care for another islander in need.
Carolyn Connor said that her son Michael, who died at the start of this year, had lifelong mental health issues since early childhood that went unrecognised by the authorities.
She explained that Michael joined the waiting list for an ADHD assessment in May 2022, and had asked for an update on how much longer he had to wait the week he passed away.
Ms Connor started a JustGiving page ahead of her son’s funeral, and called for well-wishers and people that knew him to donate rather than buying flowers.
She originally aimed to raise £1,000 to cover the cost of a private ADHD assessment but later increased the goal to also fund the cost of medication – which can be hundreds of pounds per month.
There are currently around 1,000 people on Jersey’s public ADHD waiting list, with some facing delays of up to four years to be assessed.
The fundraiser is being run in partnership with local charity All Matters Neurodiverse.
Founder Niamh McDermott said the family’s desire to help others “in the midst of their sorrow” was a “powerful tribute” to Michael’s memory.
“They wish to honour Michael by offering someone the opportunity he never had – a chance for understanding, support, and a life-changing ADHD diagnosis,” she said.
“For many, especially those who have faced lifelong challenges without answers, a diagnosis can be transformative.”
DONATE…
You can donate to the fundraiser in memory of Michael here.