Vicky Anning, Communications Manager

I joined WAY in 2006 after my husband Ben died of cancer. I had a one-year-old daughter at the time and was desperate to find other people who understood what I was going through. As soon as I joined WAY, I immediately found people who 'got it' and slowly but surely, they helped me to put my shattered life back together again. I have made some lifelong friends along the way, for which I will be eternally grateful.

As a freelance writer and editor (and former print journalist), I wanted to be able to use my skills to give back to the charity that has been such a lifeline to me. At the first AGM meet up I went to, I offered to help with the members' magazine WAY Forward and I’ve been editing it since 2009.

As the world moved increasingly online, I started sending out a monthly digital newsletter to members too, as well as helping to build up WAY's social media presence and website. Since 2014, I have also been WAY's media coordinator - liaising with media outlets to help secure press coverage everywhere from the BBC to Good Housekeeping! I have also helped to keep the rights of young widowed people in the spotlight over the past decade in support of our campaign work.

"WAY is a fantastic charity and it's an absolute privilege to be able to work with such a talented team of colleagues to help get the word out about the support that's available through our unique peer support network."

Meet the Team

You can help to spread the word about WAY by volunteering to tell your story.

We need your help to tell people about WAY and to reach out to more young people across the UK who could benefit so much from the peer-to-peer support we offer.

Please do get in touch with Vicky if you are interested in sharing or have any questions via media@widowedandyoung.org.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!