Losing my dad was a profound and heart-wrenching experiences in my life. He lived near Wrexham Football Ground, and I have many memories of sitting outside with him, listening to the roar of the crowd whenever Wrexham scored—a sound that still brings a wave of nostalgia and comfort. We enjoyed this experience before Ryan...
... Reynolds and Rob McElhenney became the owners of Wrexham AFC; it was great to share the highs of the game and the atmosphere of the town. We enjoyed many family BBQs, celebrating birthdays, Christmases, and special occasions together, creating traditions that I will always cherish. I was actually supposed to celebrate my birthday with him, my mum, my husband, and our two children, but he passed away the day before. Still, I find comfort knowing it was planned, and he was excited about it, which gives me a small sense of peace amongst the grief.
His passing was sudden—he had battled COPD for years, but when he had a heart attack and was resuscitated, it was a traumatic event; some ribs were broken during the process. The resuscitation meant so much effort that his body couldn’t fully recover, and he hung on for two final days so we could all say goodbye—his siblings, son, wife, grandchildren, son in law and me—surrounding him with love. His body eventually gave in, and he peacefully passed away. The loss felt like losing a part of myself, it's difficult to describe. My husband said he felt like he had lost his best friend.
After his death, I’ve tried to find ways to cope and keep his memory going. Attending Wrexham games with my family has become a comforting ritual; during those 90-minute matches, I escape the pain while also feeling close to him. I always take his scarf—an old one he got when he watched Wrexham in Cardiff in 2005—as a special reminder of his passion for football.
Art was another passion of my dad’s—he was a talented drawer and painter, working as a decorator by trade. I inherited that creative streak and find time to escape in drawing myself, which keeps his artistic spirit alive within me (although this is less frequently due to work commitments). I also try to walk the dog regularly to clear my mind, and I actively seek to educate myself through courses and research, finding comfort in learning. At times, I zone out with UK crime dramas, which helps me unwind and take a break from the emotional weight of grief.
Recently, I experienced a different kind of loss within my family, which has added another layer of grief, complexity and heart ache. While I choose not to share those details here, I want to acknowledge that grief can take many forms and impact us in different ways. Through all of this, I’ve learned that managing grief is a personal process, and finding small routines and rituals—like attending football matches, drawing, or family BBQ's helps.
If you’re going through something similar, I hope you find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Here are some tips that have helped me manage grief:
Memorialise loved ones: Keep their memory alive through activities, objects (like my dad’s scarf), or traditions.
Seek support: Talk openly with friends, family, or professionals.
Engage in hobbies: Drawing, walking, or other creative outlets can be therapeutic.
Allow yourself to grieve: It’s okay to feel sadness and take time to heal.
Join support groups: Connecting with others who understand your experience can be comforting.
For further support, there are helpful UK websites such as:
I believe in the importance of supporting our community, especially during difficult times. For those living near Wrexham who are seeking help or support with grief, mental health, or emotional wellbeing, there are local resources available. Wrexham Bereavement Support Groups, (which offers counselling and mental health services) North East Wales Mind and local counselling providers are all there to help. Remember, you don't have to face grief alone—reaching out for support is a sign of strength. I want to encourage anyone in the Wrexham area and beyond, needing assistance to seek help and know that your community cares.
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