Connor Was More Than a Case: A Mother’s Fight for Answers

Before I write about the events that followed, I want to speak about my son Connor, not as a case, not as a file number, but as the beautiful little boy whose life meant everything to me.

Connor was one of the happiest and most loving little boys I have ever known. He had a gentle soul and, despite the pain and challenges he experienced from such a young age, he continued to smile, love and bring light into the lives of those around him.

There was something about Connor that is difficult to put into words. He was innocent, gentle and full of love. To me, he was an extraordinary little boy who seemed to carry a light within him despite everything his tiny body was going through.

As his mother, I would have done anything to take his pain away. I would have given anything for him to have the opportunity to grow up, go to school, laugh, play and experience all the ordinary moments that parents get to enjoy.

I never imagined that years later I would be sitting here trying to put into words what happened to my little boy.

Connor was only one year old when his life ended.

He had his whole life ahead of him. I had a lifetime of memories I still wanted to make with my son. Instead, I was left with grief, unanswered questions and a determination to seek the truth about what happened to him.

Everything I have done since that day has been because Connor cannot speak for himself. I have had to become his voice. I have continued to fight because he deserves to be remembered for the little boy he was, and because I deserve answers about what happened to my child.

Connor's medical journey

Connor was born with Hirschsprung disease and was unable to pass stool normally. He required surgery which resulted in a temporary colostomy bag. This allowed waste to leave his body through an external pouch while his condition was being managed.

Living with a colostomy brought many challenges for Connor, after his first birthday, a reversal operation was scheduled, and I believed this would be an important step forward for my son.

In the early hours following the operation, however, Connor began to look very pale and it became clear to me that something was seriously wrong. I was there with my son as his condition deteriorated, and Connor passed away.

The loss of a child is something that changes a person forever, and a lot of parent’s experience this. For me, it also left questions that I have been trying to pursue through the legal process for years.

The legal journey

A legal case was subsequently opened in connection with what happened to Connor. As the only witness to what I experienced with my son, I was advised that I needed to undergo a medico-psychological assessment and obtain a psychological report regarding the impact of Connor's death on me so that the matter could proceed.

I attended my first appointment with the psychologist for this purpose.

However, in March 2026, my attorney passed away.

His death disrupted the legal process, and I was unable to continue with that aspect of the case at that time. I was subsequently contacted by the law firm and told that I needed to collect everything relating to my case.

I am now sitting with years' worth of files and documentation dating from 2019 to 2026, including correspondence, reports, legal documents and extensive work that had been compiled over the years.

I have explored my options for obtaining new legal representation. This is a complex civil matter requiring independent expert evidence, and the cost of obtaining those reports and continuing the litigation has been one of the greatest obstacles I have faced.

There is also a legal professional who had previously worked alongside my attorney and was familiar with my matter. Following my attorney's death, he was no longer formally involved in the case.

I have since spoken with him about the possibility of continuing with the matter. He indicated that he would be willing to assist, subject to the necessary professional fees. He is aware of my financial circumstances and my efforts to raise the money required to continue the case.

When I explained that I was crowdfunding to help cover these costs, he told me, in his own words, that he had “no problem with crowdfunding.”

For me, having someone who already understands the history of the matter is significant. This is not a straightforward case that can simply be handed to someone without the extensive history and documentation being understood.

Why I continue to fight

I cannot bring my son back.

But I can continue fighting for answers.

That is why, years later, I am still pursuing this matter rather than simply accepting what happened and moving on.

There are details of what happened that I cannot publicly disclose while the legal process continues. I am not asking the public to decide the legal case, nor am I asking anyone to accept my word as a substitute for evidence.

I am asking for the opportunity to properly pursue the matter through the appropriate legal process and obtain the answers and accountability I have been seeking for my son.

Because the matter is ongoing, I have chosen not to publish specific documents, autopsy details or names at this stage. The fact that I am not publishing those materials publicly does not mean they do not exist. It is a conscious decision to respect the legal process and preserve the evidence for the appropriate forum.

Connor was not a case number to me.

He was my little boy.

He was a child who smiled, loved and deserved the chance to grow up.

I cannot change what happened to him. But I can continue to speak for him, seek answers and try to ensure that his life is not forgotten.

How you can help

I am currently raising funds to help me continue with the legal process, including the independent expert evidence and legal costs required to pursue Connor's case.

I know that when people see the amount of money needed for a legal case like this, they may feel that a small donation could not possibly make a difference. But every contribution matters. Even a small donation, when many people come together, can help move Connor's case one step closer to being pursued.

If you are able to make a small donation, no matter how much, it would mean more to me than I can put into words.

And if you are not in a position to donate, please consider simply sharing Connor's story. One share could reach someone who is able to help.