An ex paramedic who lost his wife 18 months ago has praised ellenor’s Bereavement Cuppa sessions.

The charity gets people who have been lost loved ones meeting every Thursday for a cup of tea to talk about their lives and in some cases how to cope with bereavement.

Anyone can attend the two weekly sessions - the first on Thursday 7pm to 9pm (alternate weeks) at ellenor Gravesend, in Coldharbour Road, and the second in Dartford also on a Thursday between 10am – 12noon at the Glentworth ex service Club at 154 Lowfield Street.

Terry Penny lost his wife unexpectedly to lung cancer in 2016 and has been attending the services ever since.

His wife Marie was being cared for by ellenor in their hospice but died two weeks after her diagnosis.

It was even harder for Terry to take as several months before her death she had been by his side after he was left in a coma with sepsis months before.

Speaking about the sessions, the 70-year-old said: “It’s difficult to come to terms with losing Marie. As a man, I felt hesitant about opening up about my emotions. Going to the Bereavement Cuppa events and counselling sessions gives me the opportunity to talk freely and openly about my thoughts and emotions and I now find myself able to deal with how I feel.

“Being amongst others who understand loss and are experiencing similar challenges that living with grief brings, can be reassuring and helps to put life back together. I’ve also made new friendships, have companionship and the opportunity to engage in new activities like bowling and dances.

“I cannot thank ellenor enough for what they are doing to me, and still are.”

Living with bereavement, especially at Christmas, is difficult, which is why the charity provides people with these opportunities as often as they can to get some regularity back in their lives and the cuppa is seen as a “first step to helping people though bereavement, grief and loss, and moving forward with their lives.

The charity provides around the clock care and this continues over the festive period visiting families. You can donate at www.ellenor.org or call 01322 626509.