On 4th October 2025, we lost my incredible Mum, Kate, to bladder cancer. Life without my Mum has been, and continues to be, the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Grief is one of the loneliest experiences we go through in our lives. It is a common misconception that the ‘grieving period’ only begins after our loved ones have passed. However, I can tell you from personal experience, that this isn’t at all true. Anticipatory grief will set in first. The reality of grieving a person you love before they’re gone is absolutely crippling. And this is happening while trying to support your poorly loved one, make memories to last and find joy in the unexpected moments.

Sue Ryder charity is doing excellent work. They are here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life, and their families living with many forms of grief, can access the support they need and make that process a little less lonely.

There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with Sue Ryder's support, no one has to face dying or grief alone. They are there when it matters.

My brother, Tom, is also fundraising for another fantastic charity that supported my Mum and all of us in her end of life care. St Cuthbert’s Hospice. If you would like to extend your support to help families like ours, please check out his page here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/tom-bowdon-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

This one is for you Mum. Love you forever ❤️