Hollie’s story

Hey I’m Hollie! I’m 22 year old and I’m in my final year at drama school. I sadly lost my dad last July after he was diagnosed with CBT (Corticobasal degeneration). Although we had a diagnosis, CBT is very rare and has an extremely rapid decline.

Things moved quickly and my dad moved into a care home for his final months. Watching my dad slowly lose the ability to walk and talk was really difficult. As I was at uni during this time, I would see so many changes in him each time I came home.

When he passed away I do remember feeling relieved for him that he was no longer was suffering however I’m now left with such a big void in my life. Grief is such an individual process but knowing that you are not alone on the journey can make it more bearable.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve found is struggling with loneliness. Having a community like this brings reminders that there are people who understand and have gone through similar experiences.

I know talking about my grief is half the battle, it’s so easy to shy away from it but sometimes I need to listen to my dads music, write a letter to him, wear some of his old tops or aftershave. I love having little reminders of him and I feel it’s important to stay connected to him in the way I feel comfortable to.

No one is alone on their grief journey we just have different ways of sitting with it!