Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In April 2015 my older brother Larry tragically passed away 4 days after a so called routine knee operation, from a pulmonary embolism.

My grief initially was put on hold as I was consumed my Mum’s Grief.

In February 2017 I found a charity called The Compassionate Friends (For Bereaved Parents, Grandparents and Siblings).

We joined a group in Finchley and for the first time since my brother Larry had passed away my Mum Ella was in room with other bereaved parents who sadly understood her pain.

Later that year at a TCF National Gathering the night before the closing ceremony I was asked by the amazing Gina Claye an incredibly talent writer, a proud Welsh lady, and a bereaved parent, to read a sibling poem.

When I read this, I released my grief, and read this in a teary manner. It was a poignant emotional moment as I had been denying my own grief since Larry passed away.

In October 2022, my Mum Ellen Ward, fondly known as Ella, sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer. My younger brother Gerald and I were our Mum’s Carers, and by her side when she physically left us.

In January of this year at TCF National Gathering I met one of the Co-founders of the Charity Strongmen, Efrem who gave a powerful heartfelt inspiring presentation which truly moved me, about a Strongmen Weekender in Snowden Wales.

It showed a group of men, brought together due to their personal losses of loved ones.

In a video I saw the Strongmen walk up Snowden and go on Zip wires at Zip World, and it looked incredible.

Well I have finished writing this Just Giving Page retrospectively after an absolutely amazing weekend. I have come across and met some truly remarkable men and the Mountain Girl Anna, who took us up and down the Ranger Path.

I thank all at Strongmen for this weekender, from the bottom of my heart, as I am truly grateful for the opportunity that was given to me.

The encouragement I received was immense, the incredible experience is difficult to put into words, but for me a middle aged man to have such an adventure, with other men, brought together through Grief is one of the most fulfilling weekends of my life.

I dedicate this Strongmen Weekender in the memory of my Mum Ella, my brother Larry, other family and friends who have physically left us too, especially my Uncle Brian, who only recently passed away.

Please help me achieve the target I have set to give back to an incredible Charity Strongmen.

God Bless you, and thank you for taking the time to read the above.

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