Episode Overview
In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Ottis Middleton, who shares his experience of losing his father to cancer at the age of seven. Ottis discusses the impact of his father's death on his life, his feelings surrounding the loss, and the importance of open conversations about grief.

Key Discussion Points
Childhood Memories: Ottis reflects on his close relationship with his father and shares memories of visiting him in the hospital, highlighting the innocence of childhood during such a difficult time.
The Day of Loss: He recounts being taken out of class to be informed of his father's death, describing his immediate emotional response and the confusion that followed.
Support Systems: The episode discusses the support he received from teachers and friends at school, including how his classmates were informed and the kindness they showed him.
Coping Mechanisms: Ottis shares how he coped with his grief, including moments of hiding his emotions and the comfort he found in drawing and spending time with family.
Open Dialogue: The importance of discussing feelings and memories of his father is emphasised, as Ottis expresses that he is not afraid to talk about his dad and values the memories they share.

Related Episodes in the Series
Jess Yeldon: Discusses her experience of losing her father at a young age and the long-term effects of grief.
Stephanie Dixon: Shares her story of losing her father to suicide and the impact it had on her childhood and family dynamics.
Roisin Aldridge: Talks about her experience of losing her father just before her 10th birthday and the importance of support from peers and family.

Ottis's story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and grief openly. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to encourage others to have conversations about loss and seek support when needed.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Episode Overview

In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Jess Yeldon, who shares her experience of losing her father to cancer at the age of 11.

Jess discusses the impact of her father's death on her life, her relationships, and the importance of open conversations about grief and mental health.

Key Discussion Points

• Childhood Memories: Jess reflects on her close relationship with her father and the memories of their time together before his illness.
• The Day of Loss: She recounts the day she learned of her father's death, including the confusion and emotions she experienced.
• Support Systems: The episode highlights the support Jess received from her family and friends, as well as the lack of resources available at the time.
• Coping Mechanisms: Jess shares how she navigated her grief, including her experiences with therapy and the challenges of processing her emotions.
• Open Dialogue: The importance of discussing mental health and grief openly with children is emphasised, as Jess talks about how her mother encouraged conversations about their loss.

Related Episodes in the Series

• Stephanie Dixon: Shares her story of losing her father to suicide and the impact it had on her childhood and family dynamics.
• Roisin Aldridge: Discusses her experience of losing her father just before her 10th birthday and the long-term effects of grief.
• Ottis Middleton: Offers insights into coping with the loss of a parent and the importance of support systems.

Jess's story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and grief openly. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to encourage others to have conversations about loss and seek support when needed.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)

Episode Overview
In this episode of the "What About The Children" series, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Roisin Aldridge, who shares her experience of losing her father just two days before her 10th birthday. Roisin discusses the impact of her father's death on her life, her relationship with her family, and the importance of open conversations about grief.

Key Discussion Points

• Childhood Memories: Roisin reflects on her close relationship with her father and the normalcy of their life before his sudden death.
• The Day of Loss: She recounts the day her father died, including the confusion and emotions she felt when her mother delivered the news.
• Support Systems: The episode highlights the support Roisin received from her family, friends, and school, including counseling and peer support.
• Coping Mechanisms: Roisin shares how she and her family have created traditions to honour her father's memory, such as celebrating his favorite meals on anniversaries.
• Open Dialogue: The importance of discussing grief openly within families is emphasised, as Roisin talks about how her mother encouraged conversations about their loss.

Related Episodes in the Series

• Jess Yeldon: Discusses her experience of losing her father at a young age and the long-term effects of grief.
• Stephanie Dixon: Shares her story of losing her father to suicide and the impact it had on her childhood and family dynamics.
• Ottis Middleton: Offers insights into coping with the loss of a parent and the importance of support systems.

Roisin's story serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication about grief and the need for support systems for children who experience loss. Her experiences highlight that while the pain of losing a parent is profound, it is possible to navigate life and find joy again.

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF
• Email: theshow at widowedAF.com
• Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com)
• Watch on (YouTube)