These days I say, "Thank you, but no, I don't do gatherings, I prefer being alone on New Years Eve. I would love to chat to you soon though - how about next weekend?" (and the last bit only if that is true!)

For ten years I smelt of stale tobacco, had a foul taste in my mouth and set fire to stupid amounts of money but it was a support. It’s so hard to describe how much of a support it was. My grief companion: Golden Virginia.

I would like to tell you something about my inspiration for doing this work. When I lost my son I remember that, even before his funeral, someone offered to put me into contact with another bereaved parent who was offering support. At the time I was too overwhelmed to even think straight and I said , "No." to this generous offer.