Photo: Eddie and his dad Barry.
When you’ve got a child who is at times completely inconsolable because he wants his mum, it’s reassuring to know that Winston’s Wish is there. They can’t bring his mum back but they encourage Eddie to talk about his feelings and not bottle them all up".
Winston’s Wish exists to support children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling. We can’t change what has happened, but we can help children understand their emotions and provide a safe place for them to grieve. We were ecstatic to be chosen as a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline beneficiary charity. We were completely blown away by the response we received for the appeal and thanks to Kristen Scott Thomas and all those who donated, we are delighted to announce that together, we raised an incredible £31,532 for Winston’s Wish.
With 100 children newly bereaved of a parent every day in the UK, we are needed more than ever to help them overcome their trauma and adapt to their new reality. Thanks to the generosity of those who supported our Lifeline Appeal, we are one-step closer to our vision and a future where every child gets the support they need and deserve when someone they love dies. Children like Eddie.
When he was just two years old, Eddie’s mum, Liz, died of cervical cancer. His dad Barry was worried about how Eddie would deal with his grief and emotions as he got older and was scared that he would forget his mum.
Eddie is now 12 and Barry has used the Winston’s Wish Helpline multiple times. As a single parent, it is reassuring for Barry to know that Winston’s Wish is there for them. Over the years as Eddie has grown up, he has had more questions about his mum and his grief. Winston’s Wish has been there every step of the way to reassure Eddie and help him better understand his feelings and how to cope with them.
As well as providing immediate support through our Freephone Helpline, we are able to provide the widest range of practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals through virtual and face-to-face individual and group support, publications, training and our crisis messenger text service.
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who tuned in to watch the appeal and all those who donated. It’s because of supporters like you, that we were there for Eddie and will continue to be there for the 41,000 children bereaved every year in the UK.
You can find out more about Winston’s Wish and the work you have helped to fund on our .