The family of a retired special needs school support worker has very kindly donated money pledged in her memory to help children better understand and cope with bereavement.
Sue North (68) worked at St Andrew’s Academy in Oakwood, Derby for more than 25 years before she retired and was also a loving wife mother, nan and great-nan with a close-knit family living in and around Chaddesden.
When she died suddenly, her husband Ken and daughters Lisa and Donna were determined to do something special in her memory that would reflect her caring and nurturing nature.
Instead of flowers, mourners at Mrs North’s funeral service were asked to make donations which have been used to buy 37 copies of my children’s bereavement activity book ‘Missing Someone Special – working your way through loss.’.
The book gently explains practical things such as what happens at both burial and cremation services as well as highlighting the importance of sharing emotions following a bereavement.
There is also space for children to write down their happy memories of the loved one they have lost and express their feelings through words and pictures.
The books will now be given to families with children who are struggling with bereavement and, in turn, Wathall’s have donated a proportion of the book price to Treetops Hospice children’s bereavement service.
Sue’s husband Ken explained: “Sue had a special way with children – whether that was her own family or the children at St Andrew’s who she worked with. She was also a real nature lover and the illustrations in the book of animals, trees and flowers really resonated with me.
“We have therefore bought copies of the books for Wathall’s to give to families they feel in most need.
“We feel that this is a perfect tribute to Sue who is so sorely missed by everyone she knew and loved. She had time for everyone and was constantly being stopped for a hug by former pupils at St Andrew’s and their families who she supported.
“Our children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren were her world and all miss her dreadfully but we hope that the donation of these books will help other families who face the same grief as we all do.”
For more information about how to apply for one of the bereavement support books and about the Dandelions Bereavement Support Service, please email me at fay.bloor@wathalls.co.uk.
