The Bodie Hodges Foundation supported me and my family when our beloved ten year old daughter Ayana died very suddenly in 2023 with 1-1 counselling for me, my husband and two boys.

From September, grief education is being introduced into the national curriculum and I want to help Team Bodie to raise £15,000 to pilot a 12 month Bereavement Educator role which will work with 6 local schools that have experienced a student’s death. This is part of a national partnership with charities like Child Bereavement UK and Winston's Wish to help the 46,000 children and young people who are bereaved of a parent or sibling each year. This equates to one child in every classroom and this is not including those that have lost a cousin, friend, uncle or aunt that is dear to them. Together, these charities will ensure that teachers have the tools and confidence to talk openly about grief, can foster open conversations, challenge social taboos, and support our children in navigating one of the most difficult times in their lives whilst also growing up and being a kid.

Through my personal experience, I know that Team Bodie have the local networks and knowledge, experience and expertise to give our kids in Leicester and the County the support they deserve to thrive despite their deep loss and to remember and honour their beloved person even though they are no longer physically with them.

Any support you can offer is very much appreciated.

#TeamBodie x