Bereavement friend 'vital' despite 40-year age gap

Sue, 69 and Chloe Ball, 29, met at a bereavement group in Willenhall

A woman who is preparing to celebrate her first Christmas since the untimely death of her partner has said the support of a new friend has been "vital" - despite their 40-year age gap.

Chloe Ball, 29, from Willenhall, Walsall, met her friend Sue, 69, at a bereavement group after suddenly losing her partner, Stu, to cancer on New Year's Eve 2023.

The pair became close friends, and have been meeting outside of the group to support each other through their grief.

Miss Ball said seeing Sue's strength "inspired me to find my own".

The women were introduced to each other at a group meeting in Willenhall in February.

Sue had started going after losing her parents and best friend.

"We instantly got on like a house on fire," Miss Ball said.

"While there is a 40-year age gap between us, age is just a number, and we just love to have a laugh and sometimes a cry together.

"I wanted to be there for Sue to make sure she wasn't isolated in her house, which is what I sadly experienced first hand with my late Nan after she lost her husband."

'I'm not alone'

The 29-year-old said Sue had also played a vital role in supporting her through her grieving process.

"It's been a huge help having someone so close who understands how I'm feeling," she said.

"Sue has been amazing over the past year, sharing her own experiences with me to remind me that I'm not alone."

The Dove Bereavement Group, organised by Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors, based in the West Midlands, regularly meets in Willenhall.

"The group really is just one big friendship group, and I can't recommend going along to support sessions like this enough to people my age or even younger," Miss Ball said.