After the devastating loss of their son, a family we support has been navigating unimaginable grief while continuing to care for their three daughters, who deeply miss their brother.
Both parents work full time on opposite shifts to manage childcare and keep the family financially secure. With long working hours and limited income, there has been little opportunity to step away from everyday pressures and spend meaningful time together as a family while grieving.
Three Nines Children’s Charity has been able to provide ongoing support tailored to the family’s needs.
The children received Christmas Wish Box gifts, bringing some happiness during what can be an especially difficult time of year. We also provided tickets for the family to see The Wizard of Oz, giving them an opportunity to enjoy a special experience together away from the pressures of everyday life.
One of the most significant opportunities for the family was a week-long luxury caravan break at Marton Mere, Blackpool. For parents who had continued working long shifts throughout their grief, this was their first opportunity to take an extended break from work and simply spend time together with their children.
Reflecting on their holiday, Mum told us:
“Thank you, we had a wonderful holiday and stay. We really appreciate it. It was our first time taking such a long break away from work. We are always working – 12-hour shifts for my husband and night shifts for me – and we had burnt out.
“This break gave us the chance to spend quality time with the kids. Since our son was murdered, we had not had that quality time together. We were still going to work through our grief and stress because we have bills to pay and children to take care of, but there would never be money left for a holiday.
“We’re so grateful. The kids had the time of their lives.”
More recently, Three Nines has also provided the family with tickets to Alton Towers, creating another opportunity for the girls and their parents to spend time together and build positive family memories.
For families living through traumatic bereavement, support is rarely about one single intervention. It can mean being there over time – providing emotional support when things feel overwhelming, practical help when finances are stretched, and opportunities for families to reconnect when grief has taken over everyday life.
Through our Emotional, Hardship and Wellbeing Support services, Three Nines will continue to help this family as they navigate life following the loss of their son and brother.
If you know a child or family who has been affected by a traumatic incident attended by the emergency services and may benefit from our support, a referral can be made through our website.
Make a referral here
