Ben’s Story

My Mum died in August 2018, just three weeks after she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have always been incredibly close with my Mum and I was really hit by her sudden death.
In the weeks that followed, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions and was in a really bad place. I didn’t know how to process what I was feeling. It got to the point that one evening I found myself having suicidal thoughts.

Cruse gave me space to talk openly

Someone at work noticed that I wasn’t ok, and they encouraged me to get support. I know that I needed help and couldn’t continue as I was, and that was when I reached out to Cruse.
Those sessions weren’t about someone telling me how I should grieve. They were about having someone help me make sense of what I was feeling and find my own way forward. Cruse gave me space to talk openly, to let out the thoughts and feelings I didn’t feel I could share anywhere else. Over time, it helped me cope better, carry the grief differently, and finally start looking ahead.

I wanted to channel that energy and honour her memory in a good way

Seven years later, and I am in a much better place. I still miss my Mum and my grief is a part of me, but I channel it it into something positive. Mum had a passion for giving back, and spent her life helping people. I wanted to use that energy and honour her memory in a good way.

I am a trustee of Derbyshire Community Football Club, a charity football club which raises money to support great causes. In September, I am thrilled that we raised money for Cruse Bereavement Support. As a club, we wanted to highlight the incredible work Cruse does for so many people every single day. They were there for me, and they are there for countless others too. Cruse were the biggest help for me to move forward, and now I want to give back.