Latest news with #Fintan
ITV News
09-08-2025
- Health
- ITV News
'You can't change it, but you can act on it' - the teen stroke survivor sharing his story
A teenager struck down with a stroke at the age of 14 has been sharing his story to try to help others. Fintan Gould, from Ipswich, was just three days away from his 15th birthday when he suddenly started feeling sick and disorientated. He said: "I called out to my dad late that evening to tell him I was being then I collapsed. I don't remember anything from that point." His father immediately contacted Fintan's mother - a GP - who came over, recognised the severity of the situation, and called for help. She directed the paramedics on what to do and Fintan was taken by helicopter to Addenbrooke's Hospital. He had suffered a major stroke caused by a large brain haemorrhage due to an arteriovenous malformation, which is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins. Strokes usually happen to older people - but hundreds of children are also affected each year. Michelle Donadio, from the Stroke Association, said: "A stroke in childhood is rare but there are several hundred a year in the UK that can be affected." Fintan was in hospital for a month, and faced challenges with memory, reading, writing and fatigue when he came out. Despite the impact, Fintan was able to gradually return to school and had surgery in February 2024 to correct the AVM. Fintan went on to achieve strong GCSE results and, now 17, is preparing for Year 13, studying English Language, History, Spanish, and Religious Studies. He said: "I'll be applying to university this year. I've had to work incredibly hard, especially catching up on everything I missed, but I'm proud of how far I've come." After his experience, he is determined to help other young people and sits on the national Youth and Young Person Transformation Programme Board - one of only six selected from over 200 applicants. He is also part of the Cambridge Children's Hospital Youth Forum, where he helps shape better healthcare for otherchildren and young people across the region. Fintan said: 'I believe that using my experience to improve things for others is one of the best ways to deal with what happened to me. You can't change it, but you can act on it.'Throughout the ordeal, his family were supported by The Sick Children's Trust, which provided them with a place to stay near the hospital and help with educational adjustments and exam support. He feels his experience has given him a different perspective on life. "A lot of my friends get really stressed about things like missing the bus. But for me, it's not a big deal.I've been through far worse and survived."
The Journal
25-06-2025
- The Journal
Gardaí renew information appeal on 14th anniversary of fatal hit-and-run collision in Monaghan
GARDAÍ HAVE RENEWED an appeal for information on the 14 th anniversary of a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a 20-year-old man in Co Monaghan. Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the death of Fintan Traynor, who was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Lemgare, Clontibret, Co Monaghan. In the early hours of Sunday, 26 June 2011, Fintan was walking home after a night out in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. He was struck by a car on the Lemgare Road, which links the villages of Clontibret and Annyalla with Derrynoose and Keady in Co. Armagh. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and fled the scene. Gardaí believe that an Audi A4 – a 1996 to 2001 model – was involved in the collision. The front lower portion of the grille of a vehicle matching this description was recovered by gardaí at the scene of the collision. Advertisement Image of the grille that was recovered by gardaí. On the 14th anniversary of Fintan's death, gardaí are renewing the appeal for information concerning the fatal hit and run. A spokesperson said the investigation remains active and in the past 14 years, gardaí have followed over 400 leads. However, the vehicle and driver have yet to be located. Detective Inspector Adrian Durcan of the Monaghan Garda District has appealed for anyone who may have information to come forward to gardaí. 'With the passage of time, now perhaps someone may feel more comfortable coming forward with information in relation to this matter,' said Durcan. Durcan particularly appealed to anyone who may know someone who had damage to an Audi car around this period. 'In 14 years loyalties, friendships and relationships change and perhaps now you are in a position to provide the investigation team with the vital information that would locate the vehicle and driver,' said Durcan. Anyone with information is urged to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025 or any Garda Station. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gardaí renew appeal for information on anniversary of death of Fintan Traynor
Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information on the 14th anniversary of the death of a young Irish man in a hit and run incident. Tomorrow, June 26, marks the 14th anniversary of the death of 20-year-old Fintan Traynor, who was tragically killed in a hit and run collision in Lemgare, Clontibret, County Monaghan. In the early hours of Sunday, June 26, 2011, Fintan Traynor was walking home after a night out in Castleblayney, County Monaghan. Tragically, he was struck by a car on the Lemgare Road, which links the villages of Clontibret and Annyalla with Derrynoose and Keady in Co. Armagh. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and fled the scene. Investigating Gardaí believe that an Audi A4 – 1996 to 2001 model – was involved in this collision. The front lower portion of the grille of such a vehicle was recovered by Gardaí at the scene of the collision. Now, on the 14th anniversary of Fintan's death, An Garda Síochána are renewing the appeal for information concerning this fatal hit and run. This investigation remains active and in the past 14 years An Garda Síochána has followed over 400 leads, however the vehicle and driver have yet to be located. Detective Inspector Adrian Durcan of the Monaghan Garda District is appealing to the public for information. "I am appealing to the public that if they have any information to please come forward,' he said. "With the passage of time, now perhaps someone may feel more comfortable coming forward with information in relation to this matter. Do you know someone who may have had damage to an Audi car around this period? Did someone confide in you? "In 14 years loyalties, friendships and relationships change and perhaps now you are in a position to provide the investigation team with the vital information that would locate the vehicle and driver. "You can contact us in Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200 or alternatively you can contact us by calling the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.'' Any person with information is urged to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
