A GRIEVING mother has raised nearly £2,000 to fund a private ADHD assessment for an Islander following the death of her son earlier this year.
Carolyn Connor said that her son Michael, who died in early 2025, had life-long mental health issues since early childhood that went unrecognised by the authorities.
Ms Connor started a JustGiving page ahead of her son’s funeral, which takes place on Wednesday, and has asked that well-wishers and people who knew him donate to it rather than buying flowers.
She initially sought to raise £1,000 for the assessment and has since upped the target to £2,000 in order to pay for private medication and follow-on care for an Islander in need.
As of February 2025, according to recently released data, nearly 1,000 Islanders were awaiting ADHD assessments, with some facing delays of up to three-and-half years.
Ms Connor said that Michael’s battle with complex psychological and health issues including ADHD were the reason for his issues with drugs and alcohol, and she believes that if he had received the diagnosis and the treatment he needed, it would have saved his life.
“He was a warm, caring person who made some bad choices,” Ms Connor told the JEP in an interview. “He didn’t ask for any of this. He asked for help and support and understanding and he didn’t get it. He got nothing.”
Ms Connor said she hoped that the money she has raised will allow at least one Islander to get treatment, but she also hopes that it forces the government to take the issue more seriously.
“The government needs to be forced to step up. I’m very vocal because of what’s happened to my son – and I don’t see that others should have to suffer. We suffered his whole life,” she said. “Michael was misjudged and basically ignored, and it didn’t just stop with Michael. We suffered in so many ways that you wouldn’t believe.”
“I’m not going to be quiet. I can’t do anything for my son now, but I can do it in the name of my son so somebody else doesn’t suffer.”
Ms Connor’s campaign is being organised with local charity All Matters Neurodiverse.
In a statement, founder Niamh McDermott said she was “deeply honoured to support Carolyn and her family as they navigate the unimaginable loss of their beloved son, Michael. In the midst of their sorrow, their selfless desire to help others is 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.
“For many, especially those who have faced lifelong challenges without answers, a diagnosis can be transformative.
“This heartfelt gesture holds the potential to change someone’s life, and we are committed to supporting Carolyn and her family in every way we can to ensure Michael’s legacy brings hope.”
Donations can be made here.
