On Boxing Day 2022 my world fell apart when I lost my partner Matt unexpectedly. For the first few weeks I was in total shock, life was a blur and I had no idea how I would ever start feeling any better. As I write this, it is still less than 3 months since he died and of course I miss him every day. There is a huge hole in my life and some days the pain still overwhelms me. I am living day by day but there are now parts of my days that are better although I wish Matt was here to share them. I am lucky to have some great family and friends who are supporting me and I have also been supported by some amazing bereavement charities. In the early days I found WAY - Widowed and Young and connecting with other people who were going through the same as me has kept me going through some very dark days and nights. I have also received telephone support from CHUMS, a local charity and as a family we are being supported by a fantastic therapist. But not everyone has been able to access support so easily and when you are grieving, the last thing you are able to do is seek out or ask for support. I feel so strongly that bereavement support should be readily available for everyone.

In May, 5 friends are walking 50km for my 50th birthday in memory of Matt. We are fundrausing for WAY, CHUMS and Winston’s Wish - the charity chosen by our therapist that supports children and young people who are bereaved. Please help us to help other people…I hope that Matt would be proud that I am trying to use my painful experience to help others.

Love you to the moon and back Matt. Your Kate x