Mary berry, Child bereavement UK

MARY BERRY, 83, has been a Patron of Child Bereavement UK since 2009. The charity supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. She has supported many fundraising events and campaigns over the years, including the Make for Mum campaign supporting families on Mother’s Day and the #OneMoreMinute TV ads.

✢ Mary says: “We lost our son, William, in a car accident at the age of 19, but it wasn’t until some years later that I heard about Child Bereavement UK. It seemed natural to become involved as I was very impressed by the care they were giving to support families.

“Losing a child or a member of a family is a huge shock, and Child Bereavement UK provides wonderful support in a very gentle way. The charity trains professionals to work with children and parents after the death of someone important in their lives, and many families have no one to turn to at such a difficult time. I want to be there to help raise awareness of the charity and talk from my own experiences.

“One of the things that impresses me most is when the charity gets groups of children who all suffer losses to meet together, so that they feel that they aren’t alone. They’re able to happily talk and play, and they’re always supported by a professional team member.”