Wendy Chambers, from Glasgow, suffered the loss of both parents just 10 weeks apart during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Her way of coping was to make herself so incredibly busy by helping others, working extra hours, and studying for a Master’s degree – to ultimately avoid her grief.
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Wendy with her daughter Mia (Image: Sourced)
However after two years, the pain and unresolved grief had built up so much, it almost cost the mum her life.
Wendy said: “I remember standing in a queue with a basket full of gifts for my daughter, Mia, when I noticed a box of my Mum’s favourite chocolates – Walnut Whips.
“My first instinct was to grab a box as a stocking filler, and as I reached out my hand, that pain of loss swept over me once again and I just crumbled right there in the queue, sobbing loudly, tears streaming down my face, the folk around me just staring not sure what to say or do.
“My days were literally full from morning until night and I didn’t have any time to think.
“That coping mechanism lasted until August 2022, when my life and my head were so busy that I planned to take my own life.
“That’s when I contacted Cruse Scotland, and they provided me with face-to-face counselling support.”
Wendy with her dad (Image: Sourced)
Wendy feels receiving free bereavement support saved her life and is urging others struggling with the death of a loved one to get help.
Cruse Scotland is a bereavement support charity that pulled Wendy “from a very, very dark place.”
Wendy has chosen to share her story now as she knows Christmas is a time when loss can feel heavier than ever.
She wants to raise awareness of the bereavement support available to others who may be going through a similar, painful experience.
Wendy also hopes to inspire others to donate to the charity to keep the vital services free and accessible for all who may need them.
Fiona Arnott-Barron, CEO of Cruse Scotland, added: “Wendy’s story is really alarming – a vibrant woman who was so overwhelmed by her grief that she considered suicide.
“More alarming however, is that Wendy’s story is not unique.
“Sadly in Cruse Scotland, we hear stories like hers every single day.
“Our Helpline is there to listen and support people who are so devastated by the death of someone close that they cannot imagine continuing without them.”
“This vital support can only be given to children, young people and adults in Scotland if we have the funds to provide this service for everyone who needs us.
If we cannot raise enough funds, then the harsh reality is people like “Wendy may not be able to get the support they need.
“This Christmas we are asking, will you be a life saver?”
If you need support with your grief, to hear Wendy’s story, or if you are in a position to donate to Cruse Scotland this Christmas, visit www.crusescotland.org.uk/christmas
If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, you are not alone.
Here are helpline numbers for anyone seeking help: Samaritans: Call 116 123.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58.
Childline: Call 0800 1111.
You can also text Shout to 85258 for 24-hour support in a crisis.
