Edd’s dad died when he and his siblings were in their early 20’s. It was the first time they had ever dealt with grief.
Since first taking on a half marathon in support of Winston’s Wish in 2019, Edd has been a constant supporter of our work, raising vital funds to help us ensure that no child has to face their grief alone.
As part of our Memory Meadow Appeal, we spoke to Edd about why he supports Winston’s Wish, why our work is so important to him, and shared some of his best memories of his dad.
How did you first come across Winston’s Wish?
Back in 2019, I decided to run my first-ever half marathon and do it for charity. I came across Winston Wish when I was looking for charities to raise funds for. The meaningful work they do instantly struck a chord with me as it brought back memories of my own journey with grief.
What impact has the charity had on you or your family?
Being a father myself and reading the stories on the Winston’s Wish website about the children that have been affected by grief and have been supported by Winston’s Wish, it really highlighted the importance of their cause. No child, young person or parent should have to deal with grief on their own.
Why is it important to you to support Winston’s Wish and bereaved children and young people?
I lost my father when I was 25, and it was a sad time for my siblings and I. Thankfully, we were old enough to be able to understand and come to terms with it. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for a child or young person to have to deal with one of the saddest things they will ever have to face. It’s reassuring to know that Winston’s Wish are on hand to be able to help them navigate through the grief.
How did it feel to dedicate a flower and leave your message in our Memory Meadow?
It’s really lovely to have another place to be able to go and remember my dad.
He was laid to rest far away from where we live, so getting down to visit his grave can be difficult at times. With the Memory Meadow, my siblings and I can go online at any time and see his flower and picture. He was also a keen gardener, so it’s such a fitting tribute.
Can you tell us a little about the person you’re dedicating a flower to?
I’m dedicating a flower to my dad. He was my hero when I was growing up. A true gentleman and one of the nicest people I will ever know. He served all over the world in the armed forces, so we used to love listening to all the stories he’d tell us.
What is your favourite memory of them?
I used to love going to work with my dad during the school holidays and weekends. He was a helicopter pilot and quite often my siblings and I would go to work with him and we’d get to sit in the back whilst he was flying. I was super fortunate to be able to do this and it really was some of the best times of my childhood.
What do you wish more people understood about grief?
Just know that it does get better. You never truly get over losing a parent or sibling, but you will come to terms with it eventually. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some people deal with it quicker than others. You just need to take allthe time that you need, and remember that you never have to deal with grief alone.
Where to get support
If you are a bereaved young person or an adult supporting a bereaved child or young person who is struggling with their grief, please call us free on 08088 020 021 (8am-8pm, weekdays), email ask@winstonswish.org or use our live chat (8am-8pm, weekdays). They will be able to offer guidance, information and support.
For out of hours mental help support, text WW to 85258 to speak with someone from our trusted partner, Shout. For urgent support in a crisis, please call 999.
Winston’s Wish is a charity. We rely on our army of supporters for 92% of our income so we can continue to provide free bereavement support for children and young people.
If you’d like to remember your dad and support Winston’s Wish at the same time, you can create a special online dedication here or make a donation in his memory here.
Celebrate your important person with a flower in our Memory Meadow
When someone we love dies, we often want to continue finding ways to keep their memories alive. That’s why we’ve created the Memory Meadow, a virtual space for memories of your loved ones to gently take root and bloom into something to last forever.
You can dedicate a flower to someone special in our Memory Meadow and donate to Winston’s Wish here. As well as remembering your special person, you will be helping to ensure children and young people grieving for their special person get the support they need.
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