Mike goes that extra mile to support people who are bereaved

TAMESIDE Council’s head of bereavement services Mike Gurney is teaming up with colleagues from across Greater Manchester to take on a 51 mile charity walk to support people affected by grief.

Their epic route will visit a cemetery or crematorium within each of the ten Greater Manchester authorities, including Dukinfield Crematorium and Cemetery in Tameside.

The team, representing the Association of Greater Manchester’s Bereavement Services Group, will take on their challenge on 7 and 8 December during National Grief Awareness Week.

They hope to raise awareness of local grief support as well as raising money for two bereavement charities – Once Upon a Smile and Andy’s Man Club. Anyone who would like to support the group and donate can do so via this JustGiving page.

Mike said: “Every day in our jobs we see just how profoundly people are affected by bereavement. As many of us sadly know from personal experience, grief goes on far beyond the practical arrangements and organisation of funerals and the period of time people are in touch with our service and can affect people in every aspect of their lives. Yet it can still sometimes be a taboo subject, with people still not seeking or receiving the support they need.

“We hope our walk will get people talking about grief and how they can support others as well as raising funds for two bereavement charities that are close to our hearts.”

Tameside Council Executive Member responsible for environmental services Cllr Denise Ward said: “Well done to Mike and his colleagues for taking on this huge challenge and raising awareness of the support available for those who need it. As a bereaved mum myself, I understand how important it is to encourage people to talk about grief and I wholly support their efforts.

“I know that Mike and his team at Tameside Council Bereavement Services always go above and beyond to support our service users and this is yet another example of them making a difference in the local community.”

For details of local bereavement support see: Bereavement Support (tameside.gov.uk)

For details of Tameside Bereavement Services see Cemeteries and Crematorium Services (tameside.gov.uk)