Boston teenager speaks of how bereavement charity supported her following loss of mother in hope of helping others

Vee, 17, has shared her story as part of a seasonal campaign from Winston’s Wish, the children and young people’s bereavement charity.

The campaign – Give the Gift of Hope – aims to highlight the situation of many grieving young people this festive season.

“Mum was very much the Christmas spirit,” Vee said. “She always made sure the tree was done perfectly, no one else could touch it or wrap the presents. She was the light and joy of Christmas.”

Following the loss of her mum, Melanie, Vee said she felt ‘angry all the time’.

“I didn’t feel like myself,” she said. “My Nan found Winston’s Wish online and said ‘I think you need to speak to someone … because you’re not okay’.”

Winston’s Wish, which was established more than 30 years ago, offers specialist bereavement support for children, young people and the adults around them, including parents and professionals.

Of the difference it made, Vee said: “The sessions were led by me. My support worker just made sure I was happy talking about what I needed to. Sometimes I’d call the helpline when I was struggling, and even if it was nearly closing time, they stayed with me until I felt calm and reassured.”

“There’s always someone out there who wants to help you,” she continued. “They’re not there because they have to be – they’re there because they care. It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to struggle. What you’ve been through is the worst thing imaginable, but there’s always a light, even if it takes a while to see it.”

Last December, Winston’s Wish reached and supported more than 6,000 bereaved young people; this winter, it expects to support even more.

Vee wanted to share her story for the charity’s Christmas campaign, so that grieving young people were aware of the services available to help them.

“If sharing my story helps even one bereaved child this Christmas, I’ll be happy,” she said. “It’s

difficult to share your story, if that means I can help others that’s all I want.”

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Winston’s Wish,” she added. “They helped me feel a bit more like me again.”

For advice on how to cope with grief during the festivities, visit the Christmas support page on the Winston’s Wish website.

To donate to the campaign, visit winstonswish.org/christmas

Winston’s Wish said it is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing [email protected] or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.