Members' Stories

Here are just a few stories from our incredible members and how our charity has supported them. 

A WAY weekend to remember: Laughter, dancing and peer support

Feb 2026

After her husband died in 2024, Heather has found laughter, friendship and support through WAY Widowed and Young, including at a recent meet up in Glasgow…

Reflecting on WAY holidays in 2025

Jan 2026

During 2025, there were multiple holidays for WAY members and their children to take a few days away together and enjoy the peer-to-peer support that WAY offers our members.

Volunteering for WAY: What volunteers achieved in 2025

Jan 2026

Entering a new year is always a time for reflection, and it’s so powerful to reflect on the impact of WAY volunteers.

Finding connections in 2026: Making local meet ups happen

Jan 2026

Joining your first WAY meet up can be really daunting. WAY Wiltshire Member Ben discusses making local connections.

Supporting each other at Christmas: Sam’s story as a WAY volunteer

Dec 2025

WAY volunteer Sam explains why she’s hosting a Zoom meet up for young widowed people this Christmas.

Leaping for WAY: Michelle’s charity skydive

Nov 2025

WAY member Michelle explains why she decided to jump out of a plane to raise funds that will support other young widowed people across the UK…

Sharing Stories, Strengthening Hope: Andrew’s story

Nov 2025

This Children’s Grief Awareness Week, we share the story of WAY member Andrew, who offers his advice on navigating life as a widowed dad…

Marking Children’s Grief Awareness Week: Sharing Stories, Strengthening Hope

Nov 2025

To mark Children’s Grief Awareness Week, WAY member Alex shares his story of being a widowed dad to two children – one of whom has Down syndrome – and explains how WAY helped him to find a more hopefu…

Marking Black History Month 2025

Oct 2025

As Black History Month draws to a close, thanks go to WAY’s Cultural Diversity Working Group for organising and hosting several activities and events, as well as sharing their stories to raise awarene…

Serpentine Swim: Gemma takes the plunge for WAY

Oct 2025

One chilly morning in September, WAY member Gemma took the plunge for WAY, raising funds with her two childhood friends by taking part in the Serpentine Swim in London.

Ten-year tribute inspires year of giving

Oct 2025

Ten years after her husband died, WAY Widowed and Young member Lindsay is taking on 12 months of fundraising challenges in his memory…

Congratulations to our 2025 Helen Bailey Award winner

Oct 2025

Meet the winner of our 2025 award for the best WAY blogger about widowed life, as voted by our members…

WAY members head to Bournemouth for 2025 AGM

Oct 2025

More than 115 members of WAY Widowed and Young headed to Bournemouth for the charity’s annual general meeting and dinner dance…

Tapping into corporate support to raise awareness of WAY

Sept 2025

From March-July 2025, the market research company Savanta supported the charity WAY Widowed and Young on a pro bono study to explore how to increase awareness and strengthen current services. Research…

A magical WAY summer break in the Peak District

Aug 2025

A group of WAY Widowed and Young members travelled to the Peak District this summer for a magical three days of sunshine, shooting stars and mutual support…

Celebrating World Photography Day with WAY

Aug 2025

To mark World Photography Day, we encouraged WAY Widowed and Young members to send in photos from their travels. We received entries from far and wide…

WAY’s Book Club: online support for our members

Jul 2025

WAY Ambassador Sophie explains why she finds WAY’s online Book Club such a great source of support

Closing the Blank Space for bereaved mothers

Jun 2025

On Tuesday 17 June, Parliament will hear a proposed change led by MP Jen Craft to an outdated law that caused immense pain to bereaved mother Orlanda Bryars – and many others like her.

Walking through grief: Why Felix set up a hiking group for young widowed people

May 2025

To mark National Walking Month, WAY member Felix explains why he set up a walking and hiking group for young widowed people across the UK.

Serica’s story: Running for WAY

Apr 2025

Birmingham WAY member Serica explains why she’s raising funds for the charity that’s been such a lifeline since she was widowed last year…

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.

“I will always remain a member of WAY as I know that my membership helps WAY to continue to support other members and reach out to new members.

Since WAY has made such a difference to me after being widowed young, I want to do all that I can to help that support continue” - WAY member, Jenny