<p><strong><em><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; background-color: #ffffff;">"It is really hard to be bereaved when you are a youngster because you are in the middle of becoming who you want to be and suddenly the world looks different."</span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; background-color: #ffffff;">- Rosylee, on the www.thebighug.org.uk messageboard</span></em></strong></p> <p>Bereavement is always devastating, but for young children it can be particularly severe. The loss of a loved one at a time when they are still finding their way in the world can cause serious mental and physical consequences that affect the rest of their lives.</p> <p>With expert support, however, children can explore their feelings in a secure setting and gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to cope with their loss. Cruse exists to provide this care and offers one-to-one support as well as specialist groups and telephone services. It also runs a dedicated website, www.rd4u.org.uk, and provides specialist information services for children, families and schools.&nbsp;</p> <p>Please help us support these children in their time of need. By participating in our Big Hug Winter Challenge or making a donation you will allow us to care for more people like Danielle:</p> <p><em><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; background-color: #ffffff;">"My mum died when I was 11. I am now 15. I miss her so much.We were so close.My dad died 2 weeks befor my first birthday so I did not know him.My mum suffered with kidney failure for many many years.As a young child I would help mum with her machine because it would break my heart when i saw my mum cry.At the age of 9 I was taken into care.My mum was always a fighter she always stayed strong for me even when things were real bad mum put a smile on and carried on fighting.I miss my mum so much.I know live in a foster family.When I use to live in the care home and my mum use to come and visit me I would think I am so lucky to still see my mum because the other kids did not see their relatives and I use to think If I did not see my mum I would have to die because I could not survive without my mum .I surprice myself and ask myself How have I coped still being alive after nearly four years of my mums death.I am so grateful for RD4U because it helps to see you are not alone."</span></em></p>