Fundraiser announced and online donations now open for charity helping bereaved parents

FUNDRAISING has begun for a charity supporting an Antrim woman who’s daughter died suddenly last year.

The Antrim Guardian recently revealed that The Katie Trust is assisting the mother of Caitlin Robb, who passed away in the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald at the end of April 2024, several days after being found unresponsive by police at her flat on the Dublin Road estate.

The death has been treated as suicide.

Since then, Siobhan Robb has raised issues with the way her 21-year-old daughter’s death has been investigated and believes there are a number of discrepancies between what she has been told by various parties about Caitlin’s final hours. and the injuries she was said to have sustained.

The Northern Ireland Coroner has since directed a public inquest.

The last hearing in May revealed that text messages on Caitlin’s phone were due to be examined to explore her state of mind on the night she was found. The case was adjourned until September, but no new hearing date has been announced.

A complaint has also been made to the Police Ombudsman and Mrs Robb has had meetings with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, after he was notified about concerns by South Antrim DUP MLA Trevor Clarke at a meeting of the Policing Board.

Back in November, the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed it is reviewing three cases recorded as suicide, following the case of Katie Simpson. Jonathan Creswell was later charged with her murder, but he was found dead at home aged 36 while standing trial last year.

A Police Ombudsman report into the death of the showjumper found that the police investigation was flawed and failed her family.

The report said there had been ‘a general lack of investigative mindset’, which led to her death in 2020 being treated as suicide for several months.

The Katie Trust was set up earlier this year as an independent charitable organisation established to support families and friends who have lost a loved one in circumstances initially classified as suicide, accident, or disappearance but where concerns and unanswered questions later emerge.

The Trust was founded by retired Detective Sergeant James Brannigan, a former senior investigator with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Mr Brannigan is internationally recognised for his pioneering work and his experience and determination were instrumental in uncovering the truth behind the murder of Katie Simpson, recently highlighted on a Sky documentary, ‘Death of a Showjumper’.

The charity is helping the families of a number of young woman and Siobhan is being supported with counselling and will be accompanied to forthcoming meetings and hearings.

Mrs Robb said she is grateful for the support of the Trust and has organised a fundraising event at Madden’s Bar in Antrim Town on November 7th.

There will be music and a raffle and entry is £5.

An online fundraising page has also been organised by Caitlin’s good friend Erinn.

Erinn said; “We have opened up this Go Fund Me for additional support, as in the upcoming months we will be running a charity night to raise funds for the Katie Simpson Trust who has now stepped in in helping Siobhan find answers into her daughter Caitlin’s passing and will be giving Siobhan support in the forthcoming months, we are reaching out to our community, friends and family to help us reach our target, we appreciate everyone’s support and help no matter how big or small.”

Hundreds of pounds have already been donated, and anyone who wishes to support can log on to www.gofundme.com/f/

the-katie-simpson-trust