Joan Bromley

Joan is my nan. She introduced me to so many things, including museums, horse riding, took me to the cinema and the theatre and raised my awareness of animal cruelty. She was a confidante and she cared about my ambitions and who I was going to be. I looked forward to staying at her house in the Summer. She was ahead of her time, in terms of her views. She loved Boy George and said: "Who cares if he dresses like a man or a woman? He can sing!"

Forty years ago

In November 1984, my nan took her own life and I had nowhere to turn. I was 14 and there was a huge stigma connected to suicide and I was confused and I felt lost. Teachers knew what happened but they avoided talking to me about it. I skipped lessons and became quite angry with the world and I left school at 16, even though I was expected to stay on. I returned to education as a mature student, aged 23 and went to University aged 25 and I trained to teach when I was 30. The support I received at college - to motivate me and make me believe in myself was life changing.

Pandemic

I watched a film on TV and it featured someone taking their own life. I had developed coping mechanisms but out of the blue, I could not stop sobbing. This lasted for days and I felt completely out of control. I realised I had not grieved properly, as I had learned to lock it all away. I got in touch with Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide and they listened actively. They knew exactly how I was feeling. I then attended their online group. It was empowering, supportive, and at times, really tough. But this support meant I could carry on. I vowed I would do something in Nan's memory when I was ready and support this charity, as a thank you. Now, here I am.

What am I doing and where does the money go?

I am walking for 1500 brisk minutes over 10 days. This equates to 2.5 hours of power walking every day from 31st July - 9th August. And it is in memory of my nan, 40 years after her death - to celebrate her life and how remarkable she was, and to support people in her name.

I am raising money for two great causes:

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide a remarkable charity who made me feel 'seen' and heard. Their work is incredible and it changes the lives of those left behind.

500 Acts of Kindness a small but mighty charity who have helped people and businesses following the recent riots, cost of living crisis, through illness, bereavement and so much more. My nan would have loved this initiative.

Please share this page if you cannot donate.

This one's for you, nan. ♥