Believe it or not, Jen never met Elsie. She didn’t even meet me until 4 months ago. Regardless of this, she has thrown herself in to helping me emotionally and practically. We met through a mutual friend, who alerted us to the fact both our daughters were in the same class at school. On a dark October evening, whilst waiting for our first parent’s evening at school, Jen approached me with a simple ‘Are you Florence’s mum?’ And there began an immediate friendship. For those of you who know Jen, what I’m about to say will be no surprise.

Where others may have feared befriending a grieving mother, not knowing what to say or do and preferring to choose ignorance, Jen waded in and welcomed me into her life as if I was an old friend who she had known for years. It started with an offer of a play date, so my daughter could start to make friendships in a smaller more comfortable setting. Whilst our daughters played together, Jen listened to me. Not afraid to utter Elsie’s name and ask me about everything that happened. What a brave lady, and so compassionate with it.

She has blessed my life in so many ways since then: bringing me meals on days which she knew would be hard for me, joining in with my circle of friends as we critiqued Strictly Come Dancing, and camping out in a tent in the middle of Winter! But one day, she made a decision which has and will change the lives of so many bereaved families. She came to me and said, ‘I’ve made a New Year’s Resolution – this year I am determined to raise £500 for Elsie Ever After. Wow –how amazing is that. And not just that, but she wanted to organise her own book group, running it herself and raising funds from doing something she loves. So we got together one night, thought of a name and created a group on Facebook. She then went on to secure a venue, and numerous fabulous raffle prizes. All at the same time as holding down a full time job and raising 2 children of her own. 

I am SO pleased to announce that Jennifer Robinson, you are Elsie’s Star.