Andrew’s story

My Dad and I had a special relationship. We used to do trainspotting together, and he also used to take me bellringing. It was great to share these interests with him. In 2022, he came with me to my bellringing masterclass in Birmingham. Whilst we were there, we decided to go to London for the day. We went to different railway stations and travelled on the underground, it was a brilliant day together.  

In November 2023, we were in York when Dad was taken ill. At first, they thought it was a minor stroke but it turned out it was a brain tumour. After getting the results of the biopsy, they told us the bad news that the brain cancer was terminal. Dad spent the following weeks in hospital. On 17th January, the hospital said to my Mum that Dad didn’t have long left, so she stayed with him for his last week. On 25th January 2024, Dad passed away in his sleep at the age of 62. It was heartbreaking.  

It didn’t hit me at first 

I think because it didn’t really hit me at first, I thought I was coping. Then Father’s Day came, then my first birthday without Dad, and Dad’s birthday as well. These days all really hit me. On Dad’s birthday I cried at least three times. 

I thought I was dealing with it but I realised I wasn’t, and I needed someone to talk to apart from my family. My Mum recommended Cruse Bereavement Support. 

You are not alone  

I found my counselling sessions so helpful, I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful team than them. I learned that you shouldn’t hold it in. It’s alright to cry as much as you want.  

I would recommend Cruse Bereavement Support to anyone. I want people to know that they’re not alone in grief.