Members' Stories

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

Sarah’s story – facing her first Christmas after her husband died

Dec 2023

This will be Sarah’s first Christmas and New Year without Glynn, who died on 3 March 2023. This time last year, Glynn was in and out of hospital before being discharged on New Year’s Eve: “It was such…

From WAY members with love this Christmas

Dec 2023

WAY volunteer Tracey shares the story of how WAY Widowed and Young’s Secret Santa initiative came about – this year she is organising for more than 170 gifts to be sent out...

Reflecting on Remembrance Day: Matthew’s story

Nov 2023

WAY member Matthew, who’s a serving Navy officer and member of the WAY military subgroup, reflects on how he has navigated many difficult firsts since his wife and stepdaughter died – and how he’s pla…

Celebrating Diwali: Finding light in the darkness

Nov 2023

WAY member Shalini explains how her Indian heritage and her Hindu faith have affected her bereavement journey since her husband died – and she shares how she will be celebrating Diwali this year by lo…

World Menopause Day: Landmark opportunity inspired WAY member’s short story on menopause

Oct 2023

When writer Cath Holland’s husband Andy died of bowel cancer in 2019, she wasn’t able to write her own stories at first. So when Cath saw that WAY was offering members an opportunity to stay in a Land…

Advice for looking after your mental health from a WAY Ambassador

Oct 2023

Did you know 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem each year. That could be a family member, a friend, a colleague, or it could be you. WAY Ambassador Norman Smart shares his advice for…

Marking Black History Month: Johanna’s story

Sept 2023

WAY volunteer Johanna Pereira shares the story of how she navigated the cultural challenges of being widowed and Black

Finding support and friendship through WAY

Jul 2023

WAY Ambassador Emma Gray shares her story on International Friendship Day of how her friendship with fellow WAY Ambassador Emma Charlesworth has helped them both to navigate life after loss.

Marking International Friendship Day - Emma's Story

Jul 2023

To mark International Friendship Day, we are sharing the stories of WAY Ambassadors Emma Charlesworth and Emma Gray – and how their friendship has helped them to navigate life after loss.

Providing a support network for military widows

Jun 2023

To mark Armed Forces Day, we share the story of WAY Ambassador Emma Gray, who has set up a support group for members of our charity who are either serving in the military or whose late partner or spou…

Sweena's Story: International Widows' Day

Jun 2023

23 June is International Widows’ Day, which is a UN awareness day set up to highlight the plight of widows around the world.

Steven's Story

Jun 2023

Ahead of Father’s Day, Wirral-based WAY member Steven shares his story…

Gavin’s Story: Coping with Father’s Day as a widowed dad

Jun 2023

As Father’s Day approaches, Gavin reflects on his experiences and how he’s coped with his own grief while raising his 8-year-old son, Magnus.

Ramadan as a young Muslim widow: Ruba’s story

Mar 2023

Ramadan Mubarak to all of those in the Muslim community and to our Muslim members. We understand how difficult it can be to experience this month without your loved one, so South London-based WAY memb…

"Will there be other people like us?" - Pete's Story

Mar 2023

When Pete's first WAY Forward newsletter fell onto the doormat, the PGL weekend in February immediately piqued his interest.

International Men's Day: Ric's Story

Nov 2022

The theme of International Men’s Day this year is “helping men and boys”. This date in the calendar is an opportunity to highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being.

International Men’s Day: Ben's Story

Nov 2022

The theme of International Men’s Day this year is “helping men and boys”. This date in the calendar is an opportunity to highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. We want…

David's Story

Jun 2022

On Father's Day, we wanted to share WAY Widowed and Young member David's story about coping as a widowed dad.

Ric Hart's Story

Jun 2022

In the run up to Father's Day, we wanted to share WAY Widowed and Young member Ric's story about coping as a widowed dad. He also helps to share some of his tips and advice for coping as a widower.

Marking World Cancer Day

Feb 2022

February 4 is World Cancer Day. To mark this day, we asked WAY members to share photographs of the loved ones they have lost to cancer. We were overwhelmed by responses and received nearly 200 photos,…

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