Gone, but Briagh's project will live on

Briagh Heffernan, in whose name Heart in Hand Clothing will be made. Photo / Supplied

When Briagh Heffernan put her painted hand on to a piece of paper, she gave a name to the clothing business for the disabled that her mother now plans to start in her memory.

Heffernan, who had cerebral palsy, died, aged 20, from pneumonia two weeks ago.

For her mum, Julie Hooper, it halted plans to start a business in Heffernan's name making clothes for the disabled.

But the dream was not over, said Hooper.

"This was going to be a little mission for us next year, but even though it didn't go ahead, the seeds have been sown."

The early business plan included a name inspired by the heart shape inside her daughter's painted handprint, she said.

"We were going to call it Heart in Hand Clothing. It was very apt because that's kind of how she lived her life."

Heffernan was confined to a wheelchair, could not speak and relied on caregivers, but lived a rich life and was always happy, Hooper said.

One of her biggest passions was "loud music", and she had so much fun at a Robbie Williams concert that people in the crowd turned their backs on the singer to watch her.