A Bright and Kind Soul
Henry Joseph Grierson was a bright, compassionate young man whose kindness touched everyone around him. Known for his inquisitive spirit and gentle heart, Henry's warmth and empathy created an immediate sense of belonging for all who crossed his path. He had a unique gift for making others feel seen, valued, and understood, even during their hardest moments.
Passionate About Learning and Rugby
From a young age, Henry's curiosity drove him to learn about the world around him and embrace new ideas. His passions were diverse, from rugby, design, and music to his love for exploring life's endless possibilities. A talented athlete, he represented Scotland with pride, earning an Under-16 International Cap. Whether playing rugby at King Cross Park Rugby League Club or Huddersfield Laund Hill Rugby Union Club, his enthusiasm inspired those around him. His love for music, especially Oasis, and his humour made every gathering brighter and full of life.
Facing ADHD Challenges with Courage
Henry navigated the unique challenges of ADHD with resilience and courage. ADHD shaped many of his experiences, yet he constantly sought to understand himself and develop ways to manage its complexities. While he faced struggles common among neurodivergent individuals, Henry’s identity was defined by his kindness, intelligence, and the unwavering love he had for his friends and family.
A Lasting Legacy of Advocacy and Understanding
Though Henry’s journey was tragically cut short, his life has inspired a powerful movement to improve ADHD awareness, mental health support, and neurodiversity understanding in education. His family now advocates for systemic change, hoping to prevent future tragedies by raising awareness about the unique needs of neurodivergent students. Henry’s legacy is one of compassion and a commitment to helping others who face similar struggles.
Always Remembered, Forever Loved
Henry’s loss has left an irreplaceable gap in the lives of those who knew him, but his spirit lives on. By sharing his story, honouring his memory, and supporting others with ADHD, we continue to spread the light he brought into the world. Henry will always be remembered as the intelligent, kind-hearted young man whose presence lifted those around him and whose legacy brings hope, awareness, and support to countless others facing similar challenges.
On 21st April 2024, our youngest son, Henry Joseph Grierson (17) took a tragic decision to end his own life and broke the hearts of his family sending shockwaves through the community.
Henry is our baby with siblings Naomi (23), Thomas (21) and Jacob (19). A squad swimmer from age 7 he followed his brothers into Rugby League and Rugby Union before secondary school. He achieved great GCSEs and was attending college. He had recently been selected to represent Scotland in the u19s European Rugby League Championships with Jacob. He was an Air Cadet following his dream to become an Avionics Technician in the RAF. We couldn’t be prouder.
But Henry was so much more than his achievements. A unique individual, with a truly larger than life personality. Funny, intelligent, articulate, sometimes silly but with a deep intellect and sensitive, emotional maturity that many will never achieve in their lifetimes. Our beautiful boy was kind and thoughtful. A “One-off” totally unique, there will never be another Henry Grierson. His passion, humour, wit and individuality made him such a fascinating person and we couldn’t be prouder as his family.
Henry you will remain forever 17 in our hearts, the brightest firework in the sky. A life of extrovert superlatives. Beautiful, spectacular and while your life may have been short, your cheeky smile and the crazy memories will last. You lit up our lives and spread so much joy.
Following what we hope will be the world’s most amazing funeral, we start the process to turn this tragedy into a positive legacy. Henry exhibited signs of ADHD from a very young age officially diagnosed aged 10. He described himself as “A Ferrari With No Brakes”. He bit his nails, was untidy, had poor money management, was late, continually fidgeted, shouted out in class, forgot his books etc. As he grew older, he was prone to take impulsive actions with more serious consequences with which he was not emotionally equipped to deal. Henry was let down by the education system, the NHS and the Police. Whilst unintentional, the lack of understanding of neurodiversity in these authoritarian establishments meant that Henry did not have the support required and ultimately caused his loss of respect. This led to low self esteem and self-medicating with substances to cope. We will honour Henry’s name creating change for those like Henry who struggle to navigate education and transition from teenager to adulthood.
For people 15-29 yrs, suicide is the 2nd cause of death. ADHD prevalence is estimated at 5-7% in u18s. Studies suggest an association between ADHD and antisocial behaviour, depression and substance abuse. Individuals with ADHD are also at greater risk of suicide. Help us break this cycle and start better education resources about ADHD in schools so that young people are appropriately accommodated.
Ferrari boy our hearts are broken. Rest in Peace Henry and know that our love for you could not be greater and will never diminish. If you know Henry, his family, have been touched by ADHD or just want to make the world a better place please make a donation. Help us educate the world to become a kinder place for everyone. We are all different!
If you know of anyone or think you know anyone or are struggling with your own mental health or substance abuse then please speak to someone or seek professional help. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
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Research shows that individuals with ADHD, especially young males, are at higher risk for suicidal behaviours. A recent study found that people with ADHD had over 8 times higher risk of suicide attempts and 12 times higher risk of completed suicide compared to those without ADHD.
Several factors associated with ADHD can increase suicide risk:
Help us help other young people with ADHD to receive the support they need
We are in the process of setting up a charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people with ADHD and reducing the likelihood of substance abuse and suicide. Join us in making a difference today!
