The Co-operative Funeralcare - Frome

Currently our pupils are raising funds for a new sensory garden.

Singing group for dementia and memory loss and their carers.

The foundation raises money to support children who have suffered bereavement. We can offer support to the children and their families through grants that can be used in several different ways, from counselling and play therapy, purchase of equipment, through to memberships of clubs and associations that can help the child through involvement and inclusion. There are many different ways the grants can be used as each child's circumstances and needs will be unique. My name is Nick Jones. I would describe myself as an average, every day, hardworking family man. However, in 2011 I suffered a TIA (stroke), and in 2016 had a defibrillator fitted following an episode of VT (ventricular tachycardia), a type of regular and fast heartbeat. In 2017 – aged 49 – I received devastating news when doctors told me they could help me no more and that I was unlikely to see my 50th birthday. Two years on and I’m still here fighting! I have two children: Cameron aged 16 and Lara aged 14. Having suffered bereavement myself – I lost my mum suddenly when I was just 11, and my dad at the age of 28, due to heart attack – I understand the impact of loss. Experiencing bereavement at such a young age devastated me. I recall how little support I received at the time: there was a card of condolence, but no help from school or the Local Authority. I had to deal with the issue on my own, and the world is a scary place when you have lost the people upon whom you rely. Loneliness is just one aspect; you also feel angry, upset, annoyed… I can go on. I am painfully aware of the heartache my children will go through, and this has made me determined to not take this lying down. I am not going without a fight – and not without making a difference in this world. This Foundation is the difference I intend to make. It is not about me; it is about ensuring that support is available for children whose lives have been ripped apart by losing someone close. I want to help these children to cope, so they can come to terms with whatever has happened. I already know the value of such assistance. My family and I have had the generous support of Dorothy House, whom I cannot thank enough for all they have done. However, this is not enough…I want this type of support to become proactive rather than merely reactive – and with this Foundation we can help! My dream is that this Foundation will raise to support schools and local authorities so they can help children who suffer bereavement. I don’t do things by halves. Following a very successful fundraising ball in March 20185, I agreed to tackle Everest as I believe there is no such word as “can’t” in this world. This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I completed it and live to tell the tale! I have an incredible team of seven behind me – as well as Peter Andre, who has agreed to be Ambassador for the Foundation. I ask you to join us on this journey. Together we can make a difference.