Members' Stories

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

Team of five WAY members from Northern Ireland running the Belfast marathon relay

Mar 2026

A team of five WAY members from Northern Ireland are lacing up their running shoes in readiness for the Belfast marathon relay in May.

Helen Bailey Blog & Digital Storyteller Award 2026

Mar 2026

In recognition of the different ways widowed people are choosing to share their stories, we’re delighted to announce that we’re extending our Helen Bailey Blog Award to include digital storytelling th…

Finding solace in poetry: Catherine’s story

Mar 2026

To mark World Poetry Day, we are pleased to share the story of former WAY member Catherine Redford, who has written a poetry collection based on her experiences of being widowed young…

Holding space for happiness while grieving: Ruba’s Eid al Fitr reflections

Mar 2026

This Eid Al Fitr, we share the reflections of WAY member Ruba

Weekend away with WAY: Adventure, laughter and community

Mar 2026

More than 50 WAY members and children had a blast at an adventure weekend at PGL near Grantham last month…

Running through grief: Hannah’s Mother’s Day half marathon

Mar 2026

This Mother’s Day, WAY Widowed and Young member and solo parent Hannah will be taking part in the Bath Half Marathon to raise funds for WAY.

Day of Reflection: An exclusive extract from WAY Trustee’s memoir

Mar 2026

To mark this Day of Reflection, we share an exclusive extract from WAY Trustee Emma Charlesworth’s book documenting the reality of being widowed during the pandemic…

Dying is an expensive business: An essay to mark International Women’s Day

Mar 2026

WAY member and writer Cath Holland has an essay about the cost of dying as a working-class widow in an anthology about writing & social class to mark International Women’s Day.

Running through grief: Why Hannah decided to raise funds for WAY

Feb 2026

Hannah explains what motivated her to run the Bath Half Marathon for WAY Widowed and Young…

Navigating Valentine’s Day when you’ve been widowed young

Feb 2026

We have gathered some tips from young widowed people about navigating Valentine’s Day when you’re grieving your late partner…

Love after loss: Reflecting on Valentine’s Day as a young widow

Feb 2026

WAY member Astrid Dolan shares her reflections on love, loss and community in the run up to Valentine’s Day.

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…

“I want my baby to know who his dad was”: Mae’s fight to fill the Blank Space

Feb 2026

WAY member Mae explains why she is supporting our Blank Space campaign

Marking World Cancer Day 2026: Remembering loved ones

Feb 2026

To mark World Cancer Day, we have created a collage remembering WAY members’ loved ones...

Sam’s story: Living life after loss

Feb 2026

To mark World Cancer Day, WAY member Sam shares her story…

Parent Mental Health Day: Tips from widowed parents

Jan 2026

This Parent Mental Health Day, WAY members offer their advice on coping with life as a bereaved parent

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.

Bringing our Blank Space campaign to Scotland

Jan 2026

WAY is bringing our Blank Space campaign to Scotland to help bereaved mothers navigate a complex and unfair process – and to call for change.

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