On Saturday 3rd August 2013 I am climbing Croagh Patrick in memory of my beloved husband Aidan who died tragically in a drowning accident on 31 July 2011. In doing this I would like to raise awareness for Foyle Cruse Bereavement Care, an invaluable service and charity, which I will remain forever grateful to for supporting me through my darkest of days.

I will never forget that horrific morning almost two years ago when my life was completely shattered in an instant, just 19 days before our first wedding anniversary. Our future, plans, hopes and dreams all banished; my best friend, soul mate and the person I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with was gone and never coming back. All a harsh reality to get my head around, never mind trying to accept it...how the hell was I going to survive this??

Although I had great support from my family and friends, none of them understood my heartache, and they were unable (and probably afraid!) to answer my many questions. Thankfully through the support of my Counsellor within Foyle Cruse Bereavement I gained the survival skills. Cruse is a truly invaluable service which few people know about until it’s needed, and unfortunately in life none of us can avoid bereavement. Grief is a very painful, confusing and exhausting emotion; and everyone’s loss is unique, therefore no one can tell you what it will be like, what to do or when it will get better. Cruse however, provided me the opportunity to open up about my feelings, and in doing this I was made aware that each feeling I was experiencing was related to the affects of grief. I received hourly counselling sessions every week for a significant period of time, from a very skilled Psychotherapist who focused not only on my grief and loss but also on the trauma I was experiencing. And this was free of charge. I have no doubt that without this support I would not be where I am today; therefore I want to show my appreciation by doing this climb.

I have chosen to climb Croagh Patrick for two reasons, firstly, it’s location in Westport, Co Mayo, is where Aidan and I had planned to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. Secondly, I feel that climbing this mountain is in some way symbolic of my journey through grief, and the song ‘The Climb’ which I have attached closely summarises my survival to date without Aidan.   

Some family and friends of both mine and Aidan are also joining me in this challenge, and any of you interested are more than welcome.

Any kind donation for this invaluable service would be very much appreciated.  To make sure the money stays local please write ‘Foyle Cruse’ in your comment.

Thank you!