The Smout Family

We recently spoke with Sarah, Harvey and Isobel’s mum, about how Nelson’s Journey has supported them:

“In February 2018 Grandad Coco sadly passed away. Our son was 6 years old and Great Grandad was his first bereavement.

Our son was confused, upset and as the weeks went by his behaviour changed. I went to his school for advice and they gave me the Nelson’s Journey leaflet.

After a few phone calls and a visit at home, Nelson’s Journey support worker went into school to do sessions with our son.

Sadly in February 2019 our family had the devastating news that cousin Charlie aged 9 had been diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumour (DIPG). This was absolutely heart breaking but how could we explain this to a 6 year old. I had phoned our Nelson’s Journey support worker and she was absolutely amazing. [NJ] had sent us links for lots of different ways to explain to a child. Our son loved Lego and [NJ] had sent information on how to tell him about cousin Charlie through this.

Our son still had his sessions at school but the conservations and activities were based around Charlie (Harvey’s choice). Charlie sadly passed away July 2019 age 10. At such a devastating time we are so pleased that we had [NJ] to help and support not only our son but us as well.

Nelson’s Journey helped us in so many ways, helped Harvey find ways to cope, talk about his feelings, be able to talk about loved ones and know it’s OK to be happy.

Every year since we have gone to all Nelson’s Journey events, Christmas time to remember, easter events and the walk of smiles. These events help us not only to remember and think about our loved ones but to remember how far our family has come.

Thank you Nelson’s Journey for helping us when we needed it, thank you for helping us smile again.”

Isobel and Harvey ‘love to raise money for Nelson’s Journey to not only say thank you but to help more children who need support.’ and as a family have raised a total over £1,200 which goes towards supporting bereaved children and young people. Thank you!