Christmas without Charlie

It was such an honour to write this incredibly devastating yet beautiful story of love and loss. Emma’s husband, Charlie, lost his battle with Covid 19 in April, at a time when hospitals were overwhelmed, there was a PPE shortage and Emma was under such strict lockdown measures she could neither visit him nor have a hug from a relative. She told Charlie’s story with great strength, love and warmth. Thank you Bella magazine for sharing Emma’s story so sensitively. And thank you to WAY Widowed and Young for supporting Emma in a time of absolute crisis.

Latest StoriesKim WillisDecember 16, 2020WAY widowed and young, Bella Magazine, Covid 19, lockdownComment

Down's syndrome didn't stop us...

Huge congratulations to Heidi and James, who managed to pull off a beautiful wedding despite Covid 19 putting paid to their plans for a 220-strong guest list! Heidi has achieved so much in her young life and has never let Down’s syndrome hold her back. She tells her beautiful story in this week’s Closer.

Latest StoriesKim WillisAugust 11, 2020Down's syndrome, lockdown, lockdown weddings, happy ever afterComment

Nina has Walked The Walk

I’ve worked with the wonderful breast cancer charity Walk the Walk for years but I’ve never written about their founder before. Here, Nina Barough tells My Weekly about her breast cancer journey and the lessons she learned during it, which came in very handy when we went into lockdown. Nina offers warmth, insight, helpful advice and hope. Out now in My Weekly. To find out more about Walk the Walk or take part in a walk, visit Walk the Walk

Latest StoriesKim WillisJuly 24, 2020Walk the Walk, breast cancer, lockdownComment

From furloughed to helpers!

Continuing my theme of community spirit stories during lockdown, here is the lovely Sasha and her Doorstep Diaries project. When lockdown brought her career to a pause, Sasha took to the streets near her home (always within one hour’s walking distance, to stick to the rules!) and took portraits of neighbours on their doorsteps. The pictures are so good - and a powerful reminder of a strange time in all our lives.

Latest StoriesKim WillisJune 23, 2020lockdown, feelgood vibes, community spirit, photography projectsComment

Grandma, We Miss You!

This was one of those delightful moments when the idea I had for a story absolutely came to life on the page - Best put this piece together beautifully and it’s just perfect. Suzanne, Diane and Pearl are grandmothers to children who have Down’s syndrome and in lockdown, have not been able to see their grandkids. But that hasn’t stopped them bonding, via Facetime and e-hugs. These are difficult times for everyone and we’re all looking forward to hugging in real life again - thank you to these wonderful grandmas for sharing the love! Out now in Best.

I've opened a virtual pub for widows like me

What a lovely human being Sue is - having gone through the pain of loss, she knew how dangerously isolating and lonely lockdown was going to be for others navigating widowhood. She set up The Widow’s Arms, an online pub for members of the rather brilliant charity WAY Widowed and Young. Connections and friendship, even while we’re forced apart - another example of great things emerging in the hardest of times.

Latest StoriesKim WillisMay 6, 2020feelgood vibes, lockdown, WAY widowed and youngComment