In January 2020, Liam Walsh's 15-year old son Patrick went to a football game with his brother and never came home. He collapsed as they dashed for the last train out of Marylebone and died, suddenly, unexpectedly and still, without cause.

Two weeks later, Liam's Dad, with his sense of purpose desperately unravelled, gently died too.

'Red Balloons' traces their last months, and how Liam endured the next ones.

Today, he discusses writing, running, and family life after loss.

Resources Red Balloons, Liam Walsh

SUDC UK (Sudden Unexplained Death of a Child) SUDC is the unexpected death of a child aged between 1-18 years that remains unexplained. SUDC UK is a registered charity dedicated to awareness, research and family support.

There are running clubs across the UK, for all ages and ability levels. Here’s some places to start:

• Run Together (England Athletics)
• The UK Good Run Guide A-Z directory

If you need a more bouncy and excitable excuse/reason to get outdoors…Borrow My Doggy

For more resources as discussed on the episode, please visit the ⁠Bereaved Parents' Club⁠.

This episode is dedicated to Patrick.

Dreading December? Can’t face Christmas? No idea how you are going to manage your grief in the face of all the baubles and cheer? We’re here to try to help you through. Listen to Abi May and Debbie discuss the difficulties of seasonal festivities and suggest a few things that just might help.

Resources Living With Loss is Abi’s webpage with details of the retreats and workshops on offer

The Compassionate Friends leaflets Coping with Special Occasions and Coping with Christmas and Other Seasonal Events

Winston’s Wish Coping with Christmas blog 2023

Untangle Grief’s guide to coping at Christmas (do check the accuracy of the 2024 events listed by downloading the app)

Christmas Day Helplines

• Child Death Helpline 0800 282 986
• The Compassionate Friends 0345 123 2304 open from 10am to 4pm, and 7pm to 10pm, every day of the year.
• Samaritans 116 123

This episode is dedicated to Pax and Catherine.

Shushma Jain shares her story of losing her brother Arvind. We’ll find out why siblings are ‘forgotten mourners’ and what Shushma is doing to help other adult siblings to cope with their grief.

Resources

SLOW Support for Bereaved Parents and Siblings

The Dead Sibling Society video podcast

Sibling Support mainly for young people

Sibs For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults

For more resources as discussed on the episode, please visit the ⁠Bereaved Parents' Club⁠.

This episode is dedicated to Arvind.