The young mum was ‘an active member of parenting groups around neurodiversity and gave back where she could’
The Dempsey family
A fundraiser has been launched to support a Co Kildare family who suffered a devastating loss earlier this year.
Leighanne Dempsey, a mum from Kildare Town, tragically passed away on August 1 following treatment for brain cancer. She leaves behind her husband Shane, her stepdaughter Hannah and her children Molly and Jack.
Shane has had to navigate his grief while raising the three children following Leighanne’s tragic death, and his friends and family have now come together to try and help ease the financial pressure on the family.
A fundraiser has been organised by family friend Tomas Gallagher, who says Shane, who serves with the Irish Defence Forces, has focused entirely on caring for the children, including supporting Molly who has additional needs and Jack who started Junior Infants just a month after losing his mam.
He describes Leighanne as a kind and caring presence who was active in local neurodiversity parenting groups and always tried to help others.
Leighanne Dempsey passed away on August 1
In a message shared on the GoFundMe page, Shane said: “The Dempsey family lost their beloved Leighanne on 1st August 2025, following her treatment for brain cancer.
“Leighanne left behind her devastated husband Shane, her loving stepdaughter Hannah and her heartbroken children Molly and son Jack.
“Since the loss of Leighanne, Shane has prioritised caring for his children, supporting Molly who has additional needs and Jack, who started Junior Infants just one month after losing his Mammy.
“Shane now has to manage the financial costs of everyday life, including the cost of his mortgage and other expenses of family life, on one sole income.
“Supporters of the Dempsey family have arranged his Go Fund to provide financial support to this young family, to ease some of the burden they are living with.”
Shane added: “Leighanne was a kind, caring member of her wider community, she was an active member of parenting groups around neurodiversity and gave back where she could.
“Please support her family now, with any donation, large or small much appreciated.”
So far over €1,200 has been raised towards a €30,000 target to ease the financial pressure on the family as Shane now manages the mortgage and day-to-day household costs on a single income. Those who would like to make a donation can visit the GoFundMe page here.
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