In Episode 4 of The Edward’s Trust Podcast, host Ed Nell speaks with Diane, who shares the deeply personal story of losing her 18-year-old daughter Alice suddenly to cardiomyopathy. Diane talks about the shock of bereavement, the two years of support she received from Edward’s Trust, and how she has gradually learned to live alongside her grief while rebuilding a full and meaningful life.

Grief Can Feel Like Being Cast Adrift:

Diane describes the early days after Alice’s death as being thrown into an ocean with no idea which way to turn. Edward’s Trust became a lifeline, giving her a safe place to begin processing what had happened.

Sometimes You Know You Need Support:

Although Diane had previously been reluctant to consider therapy, losing Alice felt completely different. Within a few weeks, she contacted Edward’s Trust and began counselling, describing it as a space to talk, cry, grieve and simply be.

Counselling Is About More Than the Bereavement Itself:

Diane’s sessions covered not only the loss of Alice, but also family relationships, friendships, her other children and wider parts of her life. She explains that grief becomes woven into everything, making it impossible to separate from the rest of your experiences.

Grief Does Not Shrink — Life Grows Around It:

One of the most powerful ideas Diane learned was that grief does not necessarily get smaller over time. Instead, your life gradually becomes bigger around it as you build new experiences, coping mechanisms and ways of living.

Support Can Continue Beyond Counselling:

As Diane prepared to finish formal counselling, she was worried about suddenly losing that support. Joining Friends of Edward’s Trust, fundraising and taking on practical projects gave her another way to remain connected and supported.

Finding Lifelines and Purpose:

Today, Diane fills her life with family, friends, travel, modelling, volunteering, gardening and creative projects. She describes these as additional “lifelines” that help her continue living with grief.

Remembering Alice Brings Comfort:

Diane shares memories of Alice as creative, funny, quirky, compassionate and non-judgemental. While some photographs and memories remain difficult, remembering Alice’s personality and the joy she brought to the family has become an important source of comfort.

Turning Something Negative into Something Positive:

Alice’s legacy now inspires Diane to fundraise, raise awareness and make the most of her own life. Diane is clear that losing Alice can never be made positive, but she can choose to create positive things because of the experience.

Diane’s story is a powerful example of how grief remains part of life rather than something that simply disappears. Through counselling, community, creativity and the support of Edward’s Trust, she has found ways to carry the loss of Alice while continuing to build a rich and meaningful life around it.

About Edward's Trust

Edward’s Trust is a specialist bereavement charity supporting children, young people and adults affected by the death of someone close to them. Founded in 1989 following the death of Edward Dent, the charity has spent decades helping individuals and families through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Through counselling, wellbeing support, groups and other specialist services, Edward’s Trust provides a safe and supportive environment where people can talk, process their grief and begin to move forward in a way that is right for them.

Contact Edward's Trust

Website: https://edwardstrust.org.uk/

Bereavement support: 0121 454 1705

Fundraising team: 0121 454 1705

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