An Andover mother has officially launched a new online platform in memory of her late son, aiming to improve understanding and awareness of non-verbal communication.
Kate Murphy unveiled Connor’s Voice on April 25, 2026, a project inspired by her son Connor, who tragically passed away in February 2025 at the age of 24.
Connor, who was non-verbal and had additional needs, was widely known and loved within the local community. Described by his mother as “a delightful young man”, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“Connor charmed his way into everybody’s lives,” Kate said. “He gave complete and utter unconditional love. People just fell in love with him – his mischievous and cheeky ways and his very infectious laugh.”
She added: “His strength and his courage throughout his life is something that I will never be able to live up to. Ultimately, he was just a remarkable human being.”
The newly launched website, www.connorsvoice.org.uk, has been created to educate and encourage better understanding of non-verbal individuals, particularly those with learning difficulties and speech impairments.
Kate explained that the idea for Connor’s Voice came from a desire to create something positive following her son’s death.
“Out of something so tragic I wanted to do something positive,” she said. “To create awareness, support and learning – particularly around individuals that are not able to speak up for themselves.”
A key focus of the platform is helping people recognise non-verbal cues, something Kate believes is often overlooked.
“You really need to listen with more than your ears,” she said. “You have to use your eyes, because those behaviours are telling you something.”
Reflecting on Connor’s own communication, she explained how he expressed himself through sounds, gestures and movement.
“You could tell whether he was happy or unhappy from his vocal sounds, his eye movement, his body language. You just had to observe.”
Kate has worked alongside a small team to bring the website to life, including Sean Glew and family friend Maddy Taylor, who both supported Connor.
“I couldn’t have done this without my team,” she said. “IT goes way above my head, but they’ve helped format everything so it hopefully appeals to many people.”
The launch has already received strong support from the Andover community, something Kate says has been vital during an incredibly difficult time.
“The response has been remarkable,” she said. “I would not be able to do what I’m doing for Connor without the support of people in Andover… it’s overwhelming.”
Connor’s love of the outdoors is also being remembered through two memorial benches, located at Anton Lakes in Andover and along the canal in Newbury – both places he enjoyed visiting regularly.
“We were very lucky and very blessed to be able to put a memorial bench in both of his favourite places,” Kate said. “They’re somewhere people can sit, reflect and think about him.”
Kate hopes Connor’s Voice will continue to grow and make a meaningful difference.
“I just hope it does what I want it to do – to support, educate and encourage some changes that need to happen,” she said.
The Connor’s Voice website is now live, and members of the public are also encouraged to follow the initiative via its Facebook page for updates and further information.