Connie’s Legacy – Finding Support, Strength and Purpose After Sudden Loss
- HBA Support
- May 21
- 3 min read
When Lorna Meijer lost her mother, Connie, suddenly in April 2024 to a ruptured brain aneurysm, the shock was overwhelming. Connie had hiked 12 miles the day before and was physically fit, active, and full of life. The unexpected loss left a huge emotional void – and a lot of unanswered questions.
Connie’s story is one of quiet strength and deep compassion. She raised Lorna as a single mother, balancing a 20-year career as an English teacher with the demands of parenting. Later in life, she took on a new role as a housekeeper – one that gave her the freedom she craved and the chance to finally own a dog.
“My mum Connie was the most selfless, most kind and most inspiring person. She travelled solo, loved animals, and would do anything for others. I can only hope to become half the woman she was.”
Connie passed within 24 hours of her aneurysm rupture. Despite being surrounded by friends and family at the hospital, information was limited. A nurse offered Lorna a leaflet and mentioned the possibility of genetic risk but admitted the process for screening was difficult. For Lorna, this was just the beginning of a long and often confusing journey of grief and discovery.
Discovering HBA Support
Amid the grief and logistical challenges of managing Connie’s estate, Lorna began researching brain aneurysms. She had a family history — her grandfather had passed from a ruptured aneurysm too — but still found little accessible information.
That’s when she discovered HBA Support.
“We came across HBA Support while looking at charities for a running challenge, and it just stood out. The mission, the stories, the people – it all felt real and relatable.
Lorna and her partner Tom signed up to take part in an ultra-marathon event to raise funds in Connie’s memory. Tom, inspired by his father who is an avid ultra-runner, committed to an ambitious K110 race. In April 2025 Tom ran 110km with an elevation gain of 5500m in an amazing 20 hours and 20 minutes and raised over £1300 for HBA Support!
Lorna had also signed up for a K29 race, but unfortunately had to withdraw after a skiing injury in January. Despite the setback, the couple’s focus remains firmly on supporting HBA Support and raising awareness of an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition.
“What struck me most about HBA was how personal the support felt. I had so many questions and didn’t know where to turn. It’s not just a website – it’s people who really care.”
More than just information
For Lorna, HBA Support wasn’t just a place to donate to. It was a lifeline in a time of confusion and grief. From providing plain-language resources about aneurysms to answering questions about family history and genetic risk, the charity has helped the couple navigate a complex emotional landscape. “There’s so much jargon in the medical world, and HBA Support helped us understand what had happened. It’s reassuring to know there’s someone to speak to who’s been through it.”
Lorna was also struck by the real-life stories shared by others in the community – including a fundraiser who survived a rupture at the age of 21.“I didn’t even know you could survive something like this until I read their story. That really gave us hope and perspective.”
Carrying the torch forward
Connie’s legacy continues through Lorna and Tom’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for HBA Support. Though still processing her grief, Lorna finds strength in helping others avoid the same pain – and in keeping her mother’s spirit alive through action.
“HBA has been fantastic so far. They’ve been so welcoming and supportive.”
Many thanks to Lorna for sharing Connie's story with us.
Resources and support
If you have any health concerns related to the topics in this article, please speak to your GP or a clinical professional.
Visit our Support page for free resources for people recently diagnosed with an hereditary brain aneurysm
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