Fundraising event in memory of Co Derry man killed in road crash to take place this weekend

The family and friends of a man who died after a tree fell on his car, are honoring his legacy with a milestone fundraising event.

Francis Lagan died in November 2021 after a tree hit his car while he was driving on the Dublin Road in Antrim during Storm Arwen with his wife and two of their children.

Despite best efforts from emergency services, Francis died at the scene from head injuries.

The father of four from Derry was the headteacher of St Mary's Primary School Glenview in Maghera, as well as a coach with Watty Graham's GAA club, and was well-known and respected within the community.

On Saturday, September 9, the Lagan family and Watty Graham's GAC will come together to remember Francis and celebrate his life with a fundraising fun day at Watty Graham Park, themed "all about the weans."

Speaking about her husband, Wife Louise Lagan said he was truly one of a kind.

“After Francis died, I really wanted to build his legacy. He was a fantastic man, he had the biggest smile, the biggest hands, the biggest heart. He made time for everybody. If you met him, he was so charming and charismatic.”

“He just lit up a room and everybody loved being around Francis. It was very important after he died that I built that legacy and strengthened and nurtured and protected it."

Louise continued, "The biggest part of that for me is bringing up our four children. They are his legacy. They are him. Every time I put my hand on their heads, I touch him. That is my role and job in life now, to bring them up they way he would have wanted."

“I wanted to have this event to really celebrate and commemorate his life and doing so it would encompass all of his favourite things; family, friends, children, neighbours, community, sport music. It will be just a big family fun day remembering Francis, but also giving back to the community is very important to us.”

Throughout his life, Francis always lived by the mantra of "it's all about the weans", something his family and friends are continuing to follow as they contribute to the community in his name.

All funds raised from the event on the 9th will go to the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance and the Francis Lagan Community Legacy Fund, which is used to enrich and better the lives of local children in a lasting way.

Louise said both charities hold a special place in her heart

“We want to raise money for the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance who were there the night Francis was killed. The Lagan Family will be eternally grateful to all the emergency services for everything they did that night.”

“The Air Ambulance is an unbelievable charity. Everyone knows someone who has needed the service."

"For me, they were there on the worst night of my life and the intervention was unbelievable. I will always be very grateful for that. We want to pay them back as best we can and contribute as much vital money to the charity.”

“We also want to raise money for local causes that will benefit children. The other half of the money will go to the Francis Lagan Community Fund.”

“We will be very scrupulous about the money being spent properly. It will go towards resources for schools and building work. Whatever we can do in these difficult economic times for children in the local area.”

The family fun day on September 9 has something for everyone, including an online raffle that includes two VIP tickets to Taylor Swift in Dublin as its top prize.

There will also be amusements, a fun run, a timed 5K run, and a 4pm Seniors GAA match where a contingent from Strawberry Hill in London and Dromantine SMA in Newry will face a Derry select team.

Children will be encouraged to bring their boots, proudly don their own club colours and make new friends through Gaelic Games.

Speaking ahead of the event, Louise said “It is going to be a great day! It very much revolves around community and family." "There will be a fun run, a family fun walk, we will have an afternoon of games for young people, live entertainment from local stars, face painting and amusements, before our big raffle draw with showstopping prizes. It’ll be a day of colour and friendship.”

“It has already been a resounding success. So many business have come forward to support us. People have been ringing me to ask how they can get involved and donate, it’s overwhelming!”

“On the day, families are coming up from Dublin, football players will be flying in from England to play in the match. Francis’ impact was so far reaching. To have strangers send cards and get in touch to talk about their memories of Francis has helped me in the road to recovery.”

“Thousands has been raised already. That has filed us with so much confidence and hope. I didn’t expect this amazing level of support. Our whole family has been touched by the generosity of the public.”

Louise sad she felt incumbent to build and nurture Francis' legacy and envisioned this day as a fitting tribute to her beloved husband.

“We can’t replace Francis, nobody can, but we can honour him and build his legacy. This is all about celebrating a short life well lived.”