This is Helena’s story where she talks about her mum and the tribute page she created.
“My mother had vascular dementia and I was her Carer for several years before she passed away at the age of 86 at our home in November. “
“I wanted to create a tribute page in honour of the woman we all loved before the dementia turned her into a stranger. Many of our relatives and friends live across the UK and abroad and with everyone using WhatsApp and social media it just made sense to have all the necessary details of her passing and funeral on an online tribute site easily accessible to everyone.”
“I was devastated when my mother died. Her care needs were intensive and overnight my role and purpose ended. I wasn’t needed as her Carer anymore. Yes, it was exhausting and stressful, but it was also an honour to be her Carer. I felt I needed to do something positive to cope with my grief. I had heard about online tribute pages through my work as a charity fundraiser and I knew my family, friends and colleagues would all want to show their love and support at this time.”
“I used Much Loved, and it couldn’t have been more easier. People could read details about the funeral, share their photos and stories about Mum as well as light a candle in her memory. Mum was being cremated so we didn’t want flowers. Instead, we could use the tribute page to recommend three charities to which donations could be made via the tribute page, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Research and of course Carers Support East Kent. Once everything was set up, we had a link we could share with everyone. Many people commented on how lovely the tribute page was and it helped them to open up about Mum and share their memories which was a real comfort at such a sad time.”
“Everyone deals with grief differently. For me, creating an online tribute page was a release, it provided welcome relief, an essential first step in my bereavement journey. It remains online for as long as we need it. I recently revisited it on Mother’s Day to light a candle in memory of Mum. I feel comforted that it will be there for me and my family for as long as we need it.”
About Much Loved. Remembering the person that has died and helping those affected by their death is at the heart of their service. They offer a variety of options allowing you to choose how to honour your loved one in a way that feels right for you. Tribute pages are simple, quick, and free to set up. You can support different charities at once.
They can offer ways to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, creating somewhere to remember a loved one on special days together with friends and family. Once created the tributes are there for as long as is wanted, at no cost.
Find out more or set up a page visit www.muchloved.com