Raphy was my beloved nephew. He died suddenly in March 2024 after collapsing whilst playing sport at school. He was 17 years old and the only child of my brother and his wife.

I am a doctor. I have seen other families go through this, and now it is us, I understand first hand the vital work Child Bereavement UK does. Child Bereavement UK helps children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. Child Bereavement UK also provides training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.

As I write this I am sitting at the kitchen table in the chair he sat in for his last meal with us. I am looking at the kitchen doorway he walked through for the last time with a wave and a smile - “Bye Aunt Caro.”

Bye Raphy, I hope I do you proud you darling boy.