On 6 March 2020 our lives changed forever when my husband Ian and father to our two boys passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. His loss has been devastating for us. We miss him every single day and constantly wish he was still here. We have all struggled to cope with our loss and our grief.  My wonderful GP recommended Cruse and after a few attempts I finally made the call which I can honestly say was the best thing I could have done. They have been simply amazing supporting us. I was given a counsellor who just could not have been any better and I promised her last year I would get back to running again and I would enter the Supernova 5k run at the Kelpies in March to try and raise a little money for this fantastic charity that I am so indebted to. 

Anyone who knows me knows I am no runner, I can just about manage to shuffle round the block now so this is a real challenge for me. A big shout out also goes to the Kirkcaldy Wizards running group who have got me moving and motivated again. I am also now part of one of Cruse's Step by Step groups which is another source of great support to me. Ours is a walking group that brings together people who have suffered the loss a loved one and gets them out walking and talking together. It has been fantastic to get to know these people and the group has been an absolute lifeline to me.  I found out recently Fife is the only area that has this type of group. This has made me more determined to do this challenge as I know first hand the benefit of having this and I would like people in other areas in Scotland to have access to this kind of support too. I hate to ask people to donate especially now when things are difficult for so many so I am stepping completely out of my comfort zone to ask if you can please donate to this brilliant charity. Life takes some very unexpected and unwanted turns sometimes and it is organisations like Cruse that do so much to help with so little. I'd like to help them so thank you so much for any help you can give!

Did you know 1 in 5 people struggle to cope with their grief following the death of a loved one and require additional support? Cruse Scotland offers hope when the future seems empty. They provide free specialist bereavement listening and counselling services, so that those needing support receive the right help at the right time, building resilience and improving wellbeing. 

£10 may cover a 1 hour call to the Helpline

It costs £50 for each 1to1 counselling session 

£100 trains a Helpline volunteer

£500 trains a specialist in children's bereavement

Thank you taking the time to read our story.

Heather, Lewis and Clark xxx