Our Current Appeal
For the NCCG’c current Christmas appeal, NCCG clients and supporters Cheryl and Holly Chantry have generously shared their story.
Cheryl and Holly are passionate about helping to raise funds for the NCCG’s individual and group counselling services for bereaved children and families. Both Cheryl and Holly attended the centre for some years and talk with great insight about the impact the NCCG’s care has had on them both as individuals and as mother and daughter.
Holly has recently sent this letter to supporters of the NCCG
Dear friends,
I’m Holly. My dad is Marcus.
I’ve learned to say… ‘is’.
Saying ‘is’ helps keep his memory alive and I find so much comfort in that.
My dad Marcus died six years ago from heart failure.
He was 44.
Dad was a stay-at-home dad.
He was the most playful, generous and kindest person ever. He was goofy so we would joke around and always had fun – two peas in a pod.
He encouraged me to get into sport and was a great coach.
He was my best friend.
A few months after Dad died, I felt so alone. I thought no one else in the world knew what I was going through.
That’s when mum found the National Centre for Childhood Grief (NCCG).
I remember one of my first sessions, we were asked to write a letter to our parent who died. The letter was to introduce everyone in the group to our parent and we wrote it as if they were still here with us.
We learned that memories keep the person alive, and if we can keep those memories strong, our minds will help us accept it.
All these years later I still introduce my dad as… ‘His name is Marcus’, it’s just one of the tools I learned at the NCCG that has helped me manage my grief.
Going through this painful experience, I have been given gifts that have helped me to grow. Learning to keep my dad with me through my memories was the first gift from the NCCG, their support made me feel like I was wrapped in a blanket.
I cherish the gifts I have been given and the NCCG will cherish the gift you give them this Christmas.
Please, give as much as you can today, it really does make a difference to kids like me.
Holly
Contact
For additional information about our Christmas Appeal or to discuss your personal interests, please contact:
Chris Waugh
Head of Development