Remembering mothers whose children have died
For Mother’s Day this year, Cruse is aiming to raise awareness for mothers whose child has died.
Mother’s Day can be a difficult day for many people, but it can be especially hard for those mums who have experienced the death of their child. Mother’s Day is to celebrate mothers and Cruse wants to make sure no mums are forgotten just because their child isn’t alive anymore.
As part of this, Gloria Hunniford is working in partnership with Cruse. Gloria’s daughter Caron Keating died at the age of 41 to cancer in 2004. After experiencing such a significant loss as a mother, Gloria knows first-hand just how devastating it can be to be a bereaved mother – and wants to make sure grieving mothers are not forgotten this Mother’s Day.
Dulcie’s story
Dulcie is another Mum who knows about how painful it is to lose a child.In 2015, Dulcie’s 45 year-old son Brett died after struggling with his mental health for a number of years. She was finding it difficult to come to terms with his death and came to Cruse for one-to-one support. Dulcie told us:
“He was a joy, very funny and a very gifted artist. He was wonderful to talk to if you’ve got problems – he’d listen to anyone’s problems. He was a beautiful soul, so it was a very painful loss. He had been ill for a couple of years before, so it was all very traumatic. I was absolutely devastated. I think the worst thing that can happen to a person is to lose a child and Mother’s Day can be a real reminder of that loss.”
Andy Langford, Clinical Director at Cruse Bereavement Support said:
“On a day when we assume everyone is celebrating their mothers, it can be a really triggering time for bereaved parents. Some bereaved mums have described the death of their child as gut wrenching and heart breaking, and Mother’s Day can be another reminder of those feelings of sorrow. It can also be a time of mixed emotions if you, as a mother, have children who are living. It is possible to feel happy, guilty and sadness all at the same time. That is why it is so important to ensure bereaved mums feel supported this Mother’s Day as everyone’s situation is so particularly individual. And for mums to know you are not alone and there is support out there if you are struggling with your grief.”