A FOUNDATION in memory of a “vibrant” man killed in a car crash will help children and teenagers struggling to achieve their goals.

James Ahern, of Richmond Road, East Barnet, was killed when his Ford Fiesta collided with a car in August 2014 near South Mimms services.

The 22-year-old’s parents, Maria and Terry, have since created the James Ahern Foundation, a charity which will award grants to help young people pursue their passions.

Adele Greaves, whose daughter, Connie, went to Mill Hill School, in The Ridgeway, with James, is one of the driving forces behind the charity.

She said: “Maria was frozen in time after James died and this gave her a bit of focus. He’s her only child and she felt she’d lost everything.

“This is an opportunity to make something happened, a lasting legacy of his life. We decided to support the energy of those close to him with a foundation to support young people.

“The key is through passion, because whatever James did in his short life, he was not short of this.”

James was on his way home to watch Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham with his father. After his death, his mother described him as “vibrant, gorgeous and electric.”

Small grants will be available to help people who have a passion for a certain subjects travel to job interviews, to work abroad or other worthy causes.

It is open to people who have a disadvantage through disability, social or economic background, mental health, addiction issues or who are struggling generally.

Mill Hill School have now taken on the James Ahern Foundation as their charity of the year for 2015/2016.

James was a keen DJ and the first major event to raise money in his memory is an Unplugged Music evening on Tuesday, November 24 at Mill Hill School, at 6pm. All are welcome to attend.

It has been organised by Ms Greaves and her daughter, Connie.

She added: “I’ve known James since he was ten. He was a bit crazy, lovable, and a very happy child. He loved music and he loved people. He was always rooting for the underdog and very kind hearted in that way.”

To apply for a grant, visit www.jamesahernfoundation.org/#!projects/c21kz or https://www.facebook.com/jamesahernfoundation/?ref=ts&fref=ts