Co-opted December 2020 (ratified September 2021)
"In 2005, my world changed overnight when I lost my wonderful wife after 11 years of marriage. Suddenly, I found myself navigating life as a widowed parent, raising our two young children—just 4 and 6 at the time—while trying to make sense of the immense grief that comes from losing your life partner.
My employer was incredibly kind and flexible, but balancing the demands of leading their European marketing team with being both Mum and Dad to my children was an overwhelming challenge. Friends and family rallied around us, offering love and support, especially in those early days—but as anyone who has walked this road knows, the kind of understanding and ongoing support you really need often can only come from others who have lived through something similar.
That’s when I discovered WAY—and it truly changed everything. The support, empathy, and sense of community I found among fellow WAY members helped me through one of the most difficult chapters of my life.
Now that my children are grown and finding their own paths, I’ve re-joined WAY as a Trustee to give something back to the charity that gave me so much. I’m deeply involved with our local Hampshire and Berkshire WAY groups—and often travel further afield—joining and organising events, walks, holidays, and even music gigs that bring members together. Behind the scenes, I also work on governance and digital marketing projects, helping to make sure WAY continues to reach and support as many widowed people across the UK as possible."
You don't have to face widowhood alone.
If you've lost your partner before your 51st birthday and live in the UK – whether you were married or not, with or without children, whatever your sexual orientation, race or religion – you are welcome to join us.
Joining up to WAY takes minutes and costs just £30 a year, which can be paid either by direct debit or PayPal.