Hannah Leonard Accident: GoFundMe Launched After Dublin Marathon Runner Suffers Life-Changing Injuries

DUBLIN, IRELAND — Hannah Leonard, a young woman from County Wicklow, suffered devastating injuries after being struck by a car in Sicily while training for the Dublin City Marathon in October 2024. Her accident prompted an extensive fundraising campaign to help support her medical treatment and the costs faced by her family during her recovery.

According to reports, the collision occurred on October 6, 2024, as Hannah was crossing a pedestrian crossing during a training run. She sustained severe brain injuries and underwent emergency neurosurgery to relieve pressure on her brain. She remained in a coma following the initial operation, leaving her family facing an uncertain and difficult recovery journey.

A GoFundMe campaign organised by her uncle, Ralph Leonard, on behalf of her father, Kevin Leonard, was launched to help the family manage expenses associated with the medical emergency abroad. The campaign also provided a way for relatives to share updates with the many people following Hannah’s progress.

In January 2025, her father reported encouraging developments and said the family hoped to bring her back to Ireland for continued treatment and rehabilitation. Hannah subsequently returned to Ireland and continued her recovery journey.

The family’s ordeal became even more heartbreaking in June 2025, when Hannah’s 17-year-old brother, Dylan Leonard, died. Reports described the loss as another devastating blow for a family that had already endured months of uncertainty surrounding Hannah’s condition.

Hannah’s story has drawn attention to the lasting effects of serious road accidents and the emotional and financial pressures families can face when a loved one requires prolonged medical care.

Important clarification: Reports reviewed for this article document Hannah’s serious accident and ongoing recovery, not her death. No obituary confirming that Hannah Leonard has died was identified in these sources.

Disclaimer: This article is based on published reporting and fundraiser information. Medical circumstances and subsequent developments should be checked against the family’s latest public updates.