This JustGiving page has been created by Finlay's family – to give the opportunity to donate to the family’s chosen charity.

Finlay Herrington was an inspirational young man who tragically died at just 18 years old from a ruptured spleen after contracting glandular fever. He was a much loved son to Fiona and Mark (deceased), little brother to Eva and big brother to Ruairi, a grandson, nephew, cousin and a brilliant friend to so many. Finlay was studying engineering at Glasgow University and loving life. He enjoyed music and sports, teaching himself how to play the guitar and being a competitive sailor he was an active member of the university sailing team. He dedicated a lot of his time teaching young people how to sail at Largs and Prestwick Sailing Club. Finlay had many talents including the ability to be good at everything. Although Finlay’s life was shorter than some, he lived life to the fullest - always enjoying the present moment. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Finlay loved him, his unique laugh, infectious smile and funny personality.

We would like to continue to support this type of research through F.A.I.R by trying to fund a second award in Finlay’s name. The body’s reaction to Epstein-Barr virus and to other viruses is worthy of research to help understand the inflammatory response and hopefully avoid other deaths like Finlay’s.

The family along with Finlay’s friends have set a number of challenges to allow us to come together, challenge ourselves, do things that Finlay would have enjoyed while raising money for a good cause. Always looking for new ideas and people to join us, please contact: fi_onas@yahoo.co.uk

Through all the amazing fundraising events and generous donations the charity have been able to award two research projects in Finlay’s name.

One of the awards will go towards testing a proof-of-concept vaccine for prevention of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes glandular fever.  A research team from St George’s University in London have patented the technology for an inhalable TB vaccine and they hope to demonstrate that this technology can be used for EBV.  They have experience and sponsors in this field so hopefully if this works it will allow them to move towards clinical trials in the future.

The second study is a molecular study at the University of Liverpool looking at systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and viral infections including EBV to help understand why these infections can cause an uncontrolled inflammatory response.  If they can  understand this more it will help target treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

For more information on the studies see FAIR website.

What’s coming up:

25th of May 2025 - Edinburgh Marathon

Postponed due to bad weather - Finlay’s school friends and sister are supporting the charity by taking part in a skydive at Skydive Strathallan.

Past events:

15th of June 2024 - Finlay Herrington Sprint Races at Prestwick Sailing Club. This was a coached event to encourage young people to take up dinghy race sailing. Social evening with live music provided by Finlay's friends Yuri Joyce and Rory Healy.

29th of June 2024 - Five ferry cycle challenge circular route spans approximately 76 miles (122 kilometres). It took cyclists across Arran, Kintyre, Cowal and Bute with the challenge not only being the distance and the many hills on route but also timing all the ferry connections.

Participants for the five ferry cycle challenge: Cairn, Chloe, Daisy, David, Eva C, Eva H, Lara, Max, Nairn, Rory, Rosie, Yuri, Alastair, Stuart, Anna, Anne, Tess, Finley, Jamie, Luca, Yuan, Matthew, Charlie, Caeden, Matthew, Marion, Tim, Susan, Eva, Ruairi and Fiona

3rd of August 2024 - Tyra’s 30km run for Finlay along Aberdeen's Old Railway trail. Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tyra-will-1816611105858

31st of August 2024 - Four nation 3K open water swim. Fiona Murdoch, Lynne MacDonald, Carol Alderson, Sarah Green, Bill Crooks and Linda Andrews all swam for Scotland Largs Beach; Jill Melia and Ruth Longfellow at Hanmer Mere, Wales; Sue Moore and Alex Bould at Helen’s Bay Beach, N. Ireland; Fern Dickson and Claire Talbot at Stoke Newington Reservoir and Tooting Lido, England.

31st of August 2024 - Charity Fun Day inspired by Finlay Herrington at Largs Sailing Club with on the water team dinghy racing, off the water games and BBQ.

6th of October- Charity Band night in Room, Largs organised by Finlay’s friends.

6th of October - Lucy MacDonald and Ross Connick ran the Great Scottish Half Marathon in Glasgow to raise funds in memory of their close friend Finlay.

15th of November - Glasgow University Sailing Club had a bake sale at their Scottish Student Sailing (SSS1) event at Bardowie Sailing Club.

We would love for you to support these events and help raise money for a very worthy charity in Finlay’s name.

Thank you for taking the time to visit Finlay’s JustGiving page.