Life after loss
A globe-trotting greatgrandmother says the support of a local friendship group has helped her continue her adventures after the loss of her husband.
Val Rider, from Liverpool, was married to John for more than 50 years. After raising their family in Liverpool, they travelled to the sunny climbs of the Costa Blanca and then found a loving community in the Lake District. But it was when returning to her hometown alone that Val faced her biggest challenges. Val, 81, said: “We were adventurers and took plenty of risks, but we always did it together. “John would naturally take the lead, he was funny and a great socialiser. If we went anywhere new or to something where there would be a lot of people, I’d push him forward and say you go first. Of course, after he died, I couldn’t do that anymore.” She added: “Grief never leaves you. Some days I don’t want to get out of bed because John’s not there, but with the Oddfellows I have something to look forward to.” The Oddfellows is one of the UK’s largest friendly societies, with 42,250 members across its 113 branches. It’s a non-profit mutual (membership from £25 a year) run by members, for members, to improve the quality of people’s lives. Its local branches offer support to members through organising regular social events, such as coffee mornings, talks, walks and quizzes, as well as offering volunteering opportunities. Oddfellows members also benefit from wellbeing support and advice with dedicated helplines for members and a travel club. Val joined the Mersey Branch after spotting an advert and said it has helped her re-build her confidence. She said: “I miss John terribly, and I always will, but there’s something about going to the Oddfellows’ meet-ups that provided something my family and my friends couldn’t. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I think it’s the fact that it’s so reliable and constant. I can look at the diary and see what’s coming up and I look forward to it and it’s just me, I’m not relying on anyone else.” Margaret Hughes, Branch Secretary of Mersey Oddfellows, who welcomed Val to the group for the first time in March 2022, said: “We’re thrilled to have Val as a member and delighted to know we have been able to provide her with some solace. Our members play a huge role in the success of the Oddfellows and Val has already become a valued member. “Taking on a new challenge without your loved one by your side can be daunting, but we hope Val’s experiences will help encourage more people to take that leap and start by getting in touch with the Oddfellows.” INFORMATION: To learnmoreabout the Oddfellows andtoreceive afree information pack andlocal events diary,call0800028 1810 or email enquiries@oddfellows.co.uk. www.oddfellows.co.uk/firststeps *Terms andconditionsapply to allmemberbenefitsand services. Fordetails, visitwww.oddfellows. co.uk/terms-conditions, or call 0800 0281810.