Families united by grief came together in north Norfolk to remember loved ones and share their experiences at a poignant memorial walk.

Families take part in Nelson’s Journey first memorial walk. Picture: Bigphatphotos

Lucy Clapham Sunday, September 1, 2013
3:34 PM

Families united by grief came together in north Norfolk to remember loved ones and share their experiences at a poignant memorial walk.

The event was the first of its kind organised by bereavement charity Nelson’s Journey, which supports children and young people across the county dealing with the death of a significant person.

More than 130 people took part in the 1.8 mile walk round Blickling Park yesterday, with many wearing specially printed t-shirts paying tribute to the loved one they had lost.

Organiser Sophie Berry, funding officer with Nelson’s Journey, said the charity had long wanted to host a memorial walk to help bring youngsters and adults together.

“Once our support for children and young people has ended we don’t have many opportunities to invite them back to do things,” she added. “And because we’re a children and young person charity you can’t always get adults involved.

“This involves the whole family and is bringing people together so they can remember.”

Families from across the county were joined by friends and pets on the walk, which aimed to help all age groups.

Mrs Berry added: “Young people think they’re the only one for it to have happened to, so for them to see other people who have gone through the same thing makes them feel less isolated.

“And it’s not very often you’d get a group of adults together that are coping with their own grief and having to support children as well. It’s a real tough challenge for them and having a unifying event is quite lovely.”

http://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk