Willow Burn Hospice has published a new children's book designed to help young people understand and talk about grief and bereavement.
Will O'Burn and the Friends Who Remember follows Willow Burn's mascot, Will O'Burn, a caring rabbit who learns about loss through the eyes of his friends in the garden. Throughout the seasons, Will listens to them share their memories, emotions and experiences, discovering that grief looks and feels different for everyone.
Written by Victoria Downes and illustrated by Helen Turner, the book was commissioned by Willow Burn Hospice and made possible thanks to funding support from Amethyst Homes, Conside Masonic Lodge, Consett Rotary, Durham Freemasons and Wolsingham School. It forms part of the hospice's ongoing commitment to supporting children, young people and families across County Durham when faced with serious illness, death and loss.
The book complements Willow Burn's children's counselling service and gives families an accessible way to begin conversations about death, loss and remembrance, whether a child is experiencing loss themselves or supporting someone close to them.
Will O'Burn and the Friends Who Remember costs £8.99 from Willow Burn Hospice in Lanchester, the Willow Burn Hospice shops in Consett, Stanley and Lanchester, and online at willowburnhospice.org.uk/will-o-burn-and-the-friends-who-remember. All proceeds help support the hospice's palliative and end of life care for local people and their families.
In association with Willow Burn Hospice
