Somewhere to turn to

Two of the families firmly behind Sue’s Place have spoken about how the charity has helped them.

Siblings Holly Rodgers, who will be nine tomorrow, and Jordan Lee (15) started attending sessions at Sue’s Place eight weeks ago.

Their mother, Miss Sarah Lee (36) of Swinderby Road, Collingham, lost a baby late in her pregnancy.

Miss Lee said: “Sue’s Place has been absolutely wonderful. It’s been quite upsetting for the children and it has allowed Holly, especially, to talk about things.

“I really don’t know how we would have coped without the support.”

Miss Lee said it was nice to know she, and the children, had somewhere to turn for support.

“I know that if I have got any problems I can phone them and ask,” she said.

Miss Lisa Bilton, of East Stoke, is a volunteer with Sue’s Place, spending a couple of hours a week helping with administration.

Her children, Joshua (13) Ellie (11) Sam (8) and Laura (7) Mimmack were referred to Sue’s Place after their father died about 41/2 years ago.

Miss Bilton said: “Sue’s Place was very helpful for them. It was the best thing that could have happened for them at that time. There wouldn’t have been anyone else.”

She said she wanted to give something back which was why she volunteered.

Joshua said: “It helps you cope.”

Both Joshua and Ellie attended a bereavement camp.

Joshua said it was great to meet other children who had experienced the same feelings and Ellie made a good friend from the camp.

Joshua said people at his school knew about the charity and he would be asking them to vote.

Mrs Sue Tomlinson said: “The fact that people are coming back to volunteer shows how healthy it is.”