Community rallies to support heartbroken Kildare family

A FAMILY in Kildare Town is in great need of community support following the untimely death of wife and mother Leighanne Dempsey (Née Murphy) who was receiving treatment for brain cancer.

Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to support the deceased’s husband, Shane Dempsey, and their two school-aged children, Molly and Jack, as they now face managing household expenses on a single income.

Shane spoke of the selfless, compassionate and loveably witty person Leighanne was, and fondly remembered her smile, which he said, “would light up a room and brighten a bad day.” 

“She was very sarcastic, but then also very soft. She always brought the softer side of me out.” “She had such a big heart. And I see that in my kids now. I count myself lucky that I got to know her.” Shane explained still being in shock since the tragic death of his wife in August:

“I don't feel anything. I'm numb. I'm just getting up in the morning, doing what I have to do, you know, I'm on autopilot.

“There’s a basket of Leighanne’s clothes at the end of the bed, and I just can't put it away.” Shane, who is a member of the Defence Forces at the Curragh Camp. Shane said the only small comfort he found was in helping others avoid one of the difficult situations he faced.

Because he and Leighanne hadn’t updated his army life insurance in time, she was not covered – something he believes many families unknowingly overlook.

“After the lads saw what happened, nearly everyone I work with went and checked if their wife was on their life insurance,” he said. “People automatically think once you’re married, she’s added. But you have to request it.” With the support of close friend, Tomas Gallagher, a Gofundme page was set up to help him, and his children manage the financial strain of mortgage payments and daily life, as well as adequately supporting his child, Molly who has autism.

The page can be accessed here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/leighanne-dempsey-nee-murphy.

The tragedy began in 2023 when Leighanne, who was working in Tesco in Naas was experiencing dizzy spells in work.

On one particular occasion, it became quite serious when she suddenly became very forgetful, forgetting important details such as the names of people she knew.

Leighanne decided to see her GP, who husband Shane commended for being “on the ball” and ensured that she was dealt with quickly. She then had a scan of her brain taken two days later, and it was revealed that there was a tumour.

Leighanne underwent brain surgery to remove some of the mass and a biopsy found that she had Astrocytoma Stage 3 – a type of brain cancer.

After her diagnosis, Leighanne fought hard through radiotherapy and chemotherapy with her family supporting her.

During this time, the couple, who were not yet married and had their wedding booked for the following year, knew it would not be untenable to have the big wedding they had planned.

They decided to have a smaller wedding in the Curragh church, followed by an afters at the Curragh Hospital Mess.

Family and friends came together to put on a memorable day, with the wedding cake made by Leighanne’s aunt, the food made by army chefs at the Curragh, and entertainment from Leighanne’s former dancing club.

“People came together for us,” said Shane. “It was friends helping out friends because of the situation. 

“We got married in October. She didn't even see her first wedding anniversary."

After completing rounds of radiation therapy and chemo, the couple had an important scan last January, which was positive.

“The professor of oncology said it looks like there's going to be a favourable outcome.” 

Life continued as usual for the family, with the daily hustle and bustle of managing a home.

However, as time passed, Leighanne began suffering with seizures.

After many trips to the hospital, it was revealed the cancer was back. Leanne was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma – one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Shane explained that at this stage, his wife was in a wheelchair with limited ability to speak. Leighanne’s mental processing was deteriorating, with regular hallucinations which left her panicked.

Now hospitalised, Leighanne knew she would die and appealed to Shane to be at home in her final days.

“And so, I came home, and I stewed with it that night,” he recalled. “I said, no … she’s not staying (in hospital) anymore.” 

The next morning, he returned to the hospital to speak with her oncology doctor. 

“I said, she’s not staying here. I’m signing her out. She’s coming home. She’s not going to last another weekend in here.” 

The doctor agreed and staff moved quickly, arranging her medications and giving him a crash course in administering them.

Leighanne came home on a Thursday. Shane managed all her medications until the palliative care team arrived on Saturday to set her up on a pump.

The family learned the night nurses were funded by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS). When workers from ICS found out that Leighanne was a long-time donor to the charity, they worked hard to ensure she was never without support.

“She saw that Leanne was a constant donator,” Shane said. “She said, ‘I guarantee you Leanne will have someone here every night.’ And she did. Every night until she passed.” 

Through the week, nurses monitored her closely. By Wednesday, a subtle change appeared. By Thursday, the nurse returned and quietly advised Shane to gather loved ones.

“It wasn’t going to be long,” he said.

Leighanne passed away the next day on Friday 1 August, 2025 surrounded by her family – a month before her youngest child Jack started his first year at school.

Leighanne leaves behind her husband Shane, her stepdaughter Hannah and her children Molly and Jack.

Shane and the rest of the family are heartbroken for such a huge loss in their lives.

For their two children, Shane had teddy bears made from Leighanne’s pyjamas. The woman who made them used Leighanne’s Yves Saint Laurent wedding perfume to scent the bears.

“For Christmas, I got cushions made for her mam, her auntie, her two best friends,” he said. “I gave them each a little bottle of the perfume too, for when the scent wears off.” 

With the support of close friend, Tomas Gallagher, a Gofundme page was set up to help him, and his children manage the financial strain of mortgage payments and daily life, as well as adequately supporting Molly who has autism

Shane explained that Leighanne always wanted to bring the kids to Disneyland Paris. He hopes to fulfil that wish with whatever funds are leftover, as well as donating to the Irish Cancer Society.