'I became a funeral arranger after my husband died'

Yvonne Morrall quit her job as a carer to become a funeral arranger after her husband Andy died in 2016

After Yvonne Morrall's husband died at the age of just 53, there were days when she felt like she couldn't get out of bed or control her crying.

But despite the dark times after Andy died in 2016, Mrs Morrall turned things around and decided to quit her job as a carer to become a funeral arranger, driven by a new desire to help others who were grieving.

"It felt natural to want to help others through their darkest hour and I wanted to give something back," Mrs Morrall said.

She has now been working Co-op Funeralcare Nile Street, in Burslem for three years, after "learning to live again".

Andy Morrall, right, died of multiple organ failure two months after falling ill on holiday

Mr Morrall's death came very suddenly, when he suffered multiple organ failure two months after becoming ill on a holiday in Turkey.

The couple, who married in September 2008, raised five children together and had a "wonderful marriage".

Describing her experience of grief, Mrs Morrall said: "Some days I didn't want to get out of bed and others I couldn't stop crying.

"I struggled most being in the home that me and Andy shared, as it triggered so many feelings, emotions and memories, but every day did get a little easier and I eventually learned to live again."

Having also lost her son Benjamin in 1994 when he was born premature, Mrs Morrall described death and grief as currently "taboo subjects" and said she wanted to encourage others to talk about it from a younger age.

Mrs Morrall wants to encourage others who might be grieving to join clubs and support groups to chat to others

Mrs Morrall said she also "learnt to love again" after being widowed and wanted to share her advice for those who may be struggling with grief.

She said grief affects everyone "in a very personal manner" and encouraged others who are grieving to talk to family and friends and to try and keep to a routine.

"You're not alone in your grief. Other people are experiencing the same thing, so support groups can be a great place to chat to others," she explained.

"If you're looking for a place to start, pop down to your local funeral home for a chat and they'll be able to signpost you to the best place."