This August I am taking part in the Edward’s Trust Summer Read-A-Thon in support of bereaved families.

I am challenging myself to read 4 books throughout the month of August and I am raising funds to help Edward’s Trust continue supporting bereaved parents, children and young people across the West Midlands. When I was younger reading books was a way of coping with the loss of my nan and grandads. And escapism. I still love reading as an adult and it increases my emotional well-being and helps me stop into the shoes and stories of others. In addition I educate myself and others through reading and sharing stories out loud. I love sharing stories and poems with people in my work and personal life. Both fiction and non fiction books. I am doing this in aid of my mum who sadly died at just 54 leaving behind 4 children including a teenager. And her grandchildren who were all between the ages of 6-9 and missed her a lot. My mum Bett, loved children and one of her jobs before she died was a local dinner lady at the primary school. When she died a number of the staff said how much she was really missed by the children.

Every year, Edward’s Trust supports around 700 families who are navigating the devastating impact of bereavement. It costs approximately £600,000 annually to fund the range of vital services we provide, from counselling and well-being therapies to support groups, all free of charge and with no time limits.

Without government funding, Edward’s Trust rely entirely on the generosity of supporters like me and you. Every donation you give directly helps bereaved families rebuild their lives and find hope for the future.

Thank you for your support!