Worcester-based Noah's Ark Trust, which provides help to bereaved children, is currently trying to raise £1m to buy a house or property so it can expand its services and have a permanent base.

In the latest of our series Claire Fry speaks to a mother and daughter who have benefited from the charity.


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SUDDENLY finding yourself as a single parent can be difficult for many reasons but when it follows the death of your partner it can be even more heartbreaking.

Sarah Bevan and her daughter Lily, who live in Battenhall, Worcester, found themselves without a husband and father when Nick died of cancer in September 2004.

They decided to use the Noah's Ark Trust which helps children cope with life after a bereavement, to make sure they both received the support they needed.

Mrs Bevan, 41, said: "It is easier for an adult to handle really. I wanted to use Noah's Ark's services because I wanted to make sure that Lily was 100 per cent okay.

"When Nick died my focus was Lily. That's what got me through. Having someone else there like Noah's Ark gave both of us the support we needed at just the right time.

"Although she was supported by so many family members and friends I wanted to make sure because sometimes talking to someone who isn't involved in your troubles with an outside view can really help."

The pair were taken on a residential weekend, which is held at the Malvern Outdoor Centre where children and adults get the chance to spend time with others in a similar situation and take part in a number of activities.

"She went on the weekend and did lots of different activities," added Mrs Bevan.

"The children are kept separate from the adults during the day. This gave her the chance to meet other children who had also lost someone close to them that they loved. And it also gave me the chance to meet other mothers and parents who I could talk to.

"It makes the children realise that they aren't alone and there are other people out there who have lost someone close to them, but maybe for different reasons."

For 11-year-old Lily, who attends the Royal Grammar School Worcester and the Alice Ottley School (RGSAO) it was a chance to have fun as well as talk about her problems.

"The weekend was really fun because you met people who were in the same position as you. It helped take your mind off it but at the same time made you remember your lost ones, which was good," she said.

The pair have attended the weekends a few more times since and find it is not only a good way of expressing their feelings but also to get support.

"We both really love the weekends. What is great about Noah's Ark is that there is no cut-off point. After an amount of time you do find you need them less, but the support is always there," said Mrs Bevan.