NINE years ago when Cary Taylor's father died suddenly it left her mother suffering severe depression.

On top of this grief, coming to terms with the loss and shock of a loved one committing suicide, her mother was left looking after the three teenage children who were still living at home.

Life wasn't easy for Miss Taylor, who was then aged 25, and she suddenly found herself caring for her two younger sisters Anne and Mary, who were both in their early teens.

"I tried to look for help for them as they were exhibiting some really problematic, traumatised behaviour. I was put in contact with Noah's Ark and told they worked specifically with bereaved children."

Miss Taylor, who lives in Barbourne, Worcester, was invited to one of the trust's weekend camps at Malvern Hills Outdoor Centre with her sisters. For the three of them it was a turning point.

"The experiences the girls had there were nothing short of fabulous. The games, planned tasks and general mixing with others in the same situation brought a healing which, I believe, would not have been achieved anywhere else.

"As an adult I carry many memories from that weekend, and know it helped me just as much as my sisters."

The help did not stop at the weekend. They were guided further through their grief by being able to talk to the trust's bereavement co-ordinators on a one-to-one basis at their home.

"It gave the girls the chance to vent their emotions, questions, hopes and fears without the potential of upsetting anyone they loved," she said.

The family carried away many positive feelings for the charity that helped them so much, and now in turn want to do what they can to help.

"Noah's Ark Trust put their arms around a vulnerable, scared, hurting, overlooked and questioning part of our society and cared for them with compassion, understanding, wisdom and perseverance," said Miss Taylor.

Your Worcester News has helped launch the trust's £1m 'Towards A Brighter Future' appeal so they are able to buy their own base to help others, such as Miss Taylor.

"For Noah's Ark to have their own property would mean that children could meet together more regularly in a safe environment and be able to receive counselling and support more easily. It would mean more events and together days could be arranged as costs would be kept down," she said.


Fun fund-raising events are a great way of helping the 'Towards A Brighter Future' appeal. If you're planning an event, let us know and we'll publicise it in print and here online.
Just contact reporter Claire Fry on 01905 742263 or e-mail cf@worcesternews.co.uk