Members' Stories

LGBT+ History Month: Standing up for LGBT+ rights

Jan 2025

For LGBT+ History Month, we share the story of WAY Widowed and Young member Andrew, who campaigned for same-sex marriage and was able to marry his partner, Jerry, before he died at the age of 30.

Marking LGBT+ History Month

Jan 2025

WAY Widowed and Young is marking LGBT+ History Month with a series of stories and activities reflecting on the histories and experiences of LGBTQIA+ members as they have navigated their bereavement.

Volunteering with WAY in 2024

Jan 2025

As we enter 2025, WAY has almost 200 formal volunteers who have stepped forward to help support the charity and our members in a variety of different ways.

When Bereavement Support Payments stop: Widowed mum left with £50 a month

Jan 2025

After her husband died, Sophie relied on Bereavement Support Payments to survive. Now payments have stopped, leaving the widowed mum struggling to make ends meet.

WAY Holidays: Looking back on 2024

Jan 2025

Throughout the year, the WAY Operations Team organises a number of weekend breaks across the country that all WAY members can attend. 2024 was no exception…

Hannah’s haircut in memory of Mum

Jan 2025

At just 11 years old, Hannah is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making an impact.

Facing the future with optimism: Claire’s story, one year on

Dec 2024

Last year, WAY member Claire shared how she planned to navigate her first Christmas and New Year without her husband Jason, finding comfort in travel, self-care and the support of the WAY community. W…

Sophie’s first year as a young widowed Mum: Reflecting on loss, love and new traditions

Dec 2024

WAY member Sophie was 17 weeks pregnant when her husband Paul tragically died in a road traffic accident. Now, over a year on, Sophie reflects on how she’s creating new traditions for herself and her …

Coping with Christmas: Rebecca’s story

Dec 2024

WAY member Rebecca, who set up the subgroup WAY WOCS for WAY members without children – shares how she copes with Christmas…

Coping with Christmas: Tips from WAY members

Dec 2024

Members of WAY share their tips on coping with Christmas when you’ve been widowed young…

Seven swans a-swimming: WAY’s festive yarnbomb wings its way to Chester

Dec 2024

Creative WAY members have been weaving their yarnbombing magic once again – bringing Christmas cheer to Chester with seven handcrafted swans a-swimming…

Bill on Assisted Dying: Opening up important conversations

Nov 2024

Ahead of the second reading of the Bill on Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults, WAY shared our members’ thoughts and experiences at a Westminster event….

Ismena’s story: rebuilding life after traumatic loss and injuries

Nov 2024

WAY member Ismena’s life was shattered in an instant when a speeding driver hit her and her husband Simon while they were out for a day’s shopping in November 2019 – killing Simon and leaving Ismena w…

International Men’s Day: Building back better as a young widower

Nov 2024

To mark International Men’s Day, WAY member Paolo shares how he rebuilt his life and learned to become a better person after his wife died…

Simon’s story: Finding strength through WAY’s peer-to-peer support

Nov 2024

This International Men’s Day, we ask WAY volunteer Simon how he rebuilt his life after his wife was killed in a road traffic collision…

Gary’s story: Navigating life as a widowed dad

Nov 2024

To mark International Men’s Day, we talk to WAY Trustee Gary about his experiences as a widowed dad…

Transgender Awareness Week: Tips on supporting someone trans and widowed

Nov 2024

This Transgender Awareness Week, we share some tips from WAY volunteer Griffyn, who’s a member of our LGBTQIA+ Diversity Working Group…

Transgender Awareness Week: Hear from WAY Ambassador Maria

Nov 2024

This Transgender Awareness Week (13-19 November), we hear from WAY Ambassador Maria about coming out as trans – and the support she’s received from the widowed community…

Rebecca’s story: Navigating Cultural Differences

Oct 2024

To mark Black History Month, WAY member Rebecca shares her story…

Josephine’s journey: Grief, love and music

Oct 2024

To mark their tenth wedding anniversary, WAY member and musician Josephine – who records under the name Sephine Llo – is releasing a new album in memory of her husband and fellow musician Robbie.