Fylde widow backs Grief Awareness Week

A Lytham widow is backing a national campaign to make the losing of a loved one easier to talk about.
Jacky Ramsden with her late husband PaulJacky Ramsden with her late husband Paul
Jacky Ramsden with her late husband Paul

Jacky Ramsden lost her husband Paul, 80, to Covid 19 – the first person to die of the virus in Blackpool Victoria Hospital - in March.

The 64-year-old from Lytham is taking part in National Grief Awareness Week, which runs until next Tuesday, and she feels that there has never been a more poignant time for the Fylde coast to come together to support those who have lost loved ones especially in light of the Covid 19 pandemic.

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Jacky said: “2020 has been a particularly difficult year for anyone losing a loved one.

“Paul was always very fit so it was a shock to see how the virus took hold. Due to Covid restrictions, I couldn’t visit Paul in hospital nor could I be at his side when he passed away.

“The funeral was very limited and not the celebration that he deserved and then I, like many others, had to cope with bereavement in isolation.”

Grief Awareness week is a national event driven by the Good Grief Trust and aims to raise awareness of the impact of grief and loss.

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Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Lead Cancer and End Of Life Care Nurse, Jackie Brunton, said: “In this special week, we are encouraging all staff and their families and friends to take a moment to reflect on what’s going on around them and to engage in conversations around loss and the support available for all who have lost a loved one.

“We want our Fylde coast community to unite across the week and join us in some of our local events and follow us and the Good Grief Trust on Facebook and Twitter and share stories using the hashtag #shareyourstory.”

The public can show their support by lighting a candle or displaying a light in a window throughout the week, while Lytham Windmill is among buildings which will be lit yellow as a symbol of togetherness.

Jacky added: “We need to get rid of the taboo surrounding loss.

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“I am lucky in that I have support from friends and neighbours through this difficult time, but not everyone does. So many people this year have not been able to say goodbye properly.

“This local support for National Grief Awareness Week allows us, our families and our friends to remember our loved ones, celebrate their lives and look to the future with hope and light.”

Grief Awareness Week runs until December 8.

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