Leeds Parents Who Lost Child Want More Help

A Leeds couple who lost their own son - are asking other parents who've suffered the same tragedy to come forward and talk about their experiences.

The charity, Elliot’s Footprint, was set up by bereaved parents Andrea and John Kerslake when they suddenly lost their 2 year old son, Elliot, in March 2014.

The couple didn't feel they received appropriate professional support or bereavement counselling.

Andrea Kerslake said: "Losing Elliot brought indescribable pain to our family. Being thrust into a system and labelled ‘bereaved parents’ is a situation that’s impossible to get used to, but it’s one that many parents do unfortunately find themselves in. We hope that through this research, Elliot’s Footprint can make a very real difference to the experience of grieving families and help them through their suffering."

They hope the stories that they gather will be able to shape a strategy to support grieving families and improve the systems and processes that families face in the aftermath of losing a child. Andrea said: "If you have been affected and want to share your story with us contact Fiona Fylan at Brainbox Research by telephone on 0113 238 0157 or email fiona@brainboxresearch.com"