Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. We are walking for Care for the Family in memory of my friend's son Joshua Oliver. Care for the Family offer invaluable support to bereaved parents

Lisa’s Story- When I lost my precious son Joshua in November 2023, I didn’t know where to turn. Many organisations won’t offer any support until you are 6 months bereaved. I remember thinking I don’t know if I’ll make it to the 6 month mark. Thankfully I’d been given details for Care for the Family and I called the helpline and spoke to the lovely Jane, a bereaved mum who along with her husband Dave, runs the bereaved parent support. She was the first person I ever said out loud to, “my son died”. She talked to me for a long time, offering hope and support. I was allocated a counsellor through the charity and later, a befriender. My befriender had also lost a 12 year old son in a tragic accident and she knew exactly what I going through. Her support was invaluable and still is, more than 2 years on. We still meet fortnightly online. She helped me see a way through. I also got EMDR treatment for PTSD provided by the charity, which was very helpful. The bereaved parents weekend away was very supportive and I’ve connected with others, which helps with the sense of isolation and despair. This charity has done a huge amount to help me and I would love to give something back in Joshua’s memory. He is missed, loved and remembered every day. He will forever be my missing piece.

I’m grateful to my team mates for joining this fundraiser with me and supporting this charity