Bid to ease grief of sudden death

Grieving friends and family often suffer depression

A former nurse is on a mission to improve support and care for those whose loved ones have suddenly died.

Carole Adam worked in the trauma intensive unit at London's Whitechapel Hospital for 25 years, nursing victims of bombs, car crashes and gunshots.

Now living in Norwich, she is using her experiences to campaign for better services and understanding for those who suddenly lose a loved one.

"It's appalling the way they are treated. I want to change that."

She said: "People don't often think about the families left behind. There's an element that it's just something to get over.

"Grieving friends and family can suffer depression or post traumatic stress, and there's no where for them to go.

"The pain is terrible and unimaginable. I want to change hearts and minds."

Mrs Adam, a volunteer Cruse bereavement counsellor in Norwich, will be hosting a series of seminars across Norfolk and Suffolk next year, with a parent whose child was killed, speaking about their experiences.