Heather and Martin's Bereavement Support Story - Keech Hospice
Source: https://keech.org.uk/stories/heather-martin-bereavement-support
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Heather and Martin's Bereavement Support Story - Keech Hospice
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Heather and Martin’s story
Heather and Martin's story
“Keech isn’t just about end-of-life care. They gave us the strength to carry on and the gift of a second chance at love.”
Finding love again
When Heather and Martin lost their lifelong partners, they never imagined they would find a new beginning at Keech Hospice. Their uplifting story is one of hope, love, and the unexpected joy of finding each other in the most unlikely place: a
bereavement support group
.
Heather’s Journey
“If someone had told me I’d get married at 78, I wouldn’t have believed them,” says Heather. A long-time volunteer for Keech Hospice, Heather never anticipated needing the hospice’s services herself. But when her husband, Mike, was diagnosed with cancer, Keech became her lifeline. They were there when Mike passed, and I’ll always remember seeing robins outside, which now remind me of him.”
After losing Mike, Heather attended Keech’s
bereavement support
group. “We cried, we laughed, and we supported each other,” Heather recalls. It was there that she met Martin, who would change her life forever. “When he asked me out, I felt like a teenager again. Meeting someone who understood my pain was a blessing.”
The support group gave me strength when I needed it most.
Heather who attended our bereavement group
Martin’s Journey
Martin’s story is filled with years of caregiving. His wife, Gerry, suffered from multiple sclerosis, and the burden of care was immense. “They helped me care for Gerry and even supported me through my own battle with bladder cancer.”
When Gerry passed away, Martin found comfort in the
bereavement group
, where he met Heather. “We became close, and one day, I invited her to Ashridge to photograph the bluebells,” he shares. “Heather literally fell at my feet on the stairs—quite the story to tell our future grandkids!”
Keech’s support was a light in a very dark time
Martin who attended our bereavement group
A New Beginning
After years of friendship and shared experiences, Martin proposed to Heather on Valentine’s Day, 10 years after they met. “Heather asked if she needed to call a paramedic to get me up off my knee, but thankfully she said yes!” Martin jokes. On 1 September 2023, they celebrated their wedding surrounded by loved ones, asking for donations to Keech in lieu of gifts. “Keech brought us together, and we are forever grateful.”
If it weren’t for Keech, we wouldn’t be here today, sharing a life together
Heather and Martin who attended our bereavement group
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Home
»
Story
»
Heather and Martin’s story
Heather and Martin's story
“Keech isn’t just about end-of-life care. They gave us the strength to carry on and the gift of a second chance at love.”
Finding love again
When Heather and Martin lost their lifelong partners, they never imagined they would find a new beginning at Keech Hospice. Their uplifting story is one of hope, love, and the unexpected joy of finding each other in the most unlikely place: a
bereavement support group
.
Heather’s Journey
“If someone had told me I’d get married at 78, I wouldn’t have believed them,” says Heather. A long-time volunteer for Keech Hospice, Heather never anticipated needing the hospice’s services herself. But when her husband, Mike, was diagnosed with cancer, Keech became her lifeline. They were there when Mike passed, and I’ll always remember seeing robins outside, which now remind me of him.”
After losing Mike, Heather attended Keech’s
bereavement support
group. “We cried, we laughed, and we supported each other,” Heather recalls. It was there that she met Martin, who would change her life forever. “When he asked me out, I felt like a teenager again. Meeting someone who understood my pain was a blessing.”
The support group gave me strength when I needed it most.
Heather who attended our bereavement group
Martin’s Journey
Martin’s story is filled with years of caregiving. His wife, Gerry, suffered from multiple sclerosis, and the burden of care was immense. “They helped me care for Gerry and even supported me through my own battle with bladder cancer.”
When Gerry passed away, Martin found comfort in the
bereavement group
, where he met Heather. “We became close, and one day, I invited her to Ashridge to photograph the bluebells,” he shares. “Heather literally fell at my feet on the stairs—quite the story to tell our future grandkids!”
Keech’s support was a light in a very dark time
Martin who attended our bereavement group
A New Beginning
After years of friendship and shared experiences, Martin proposed to Heather on Valentine’s Day, 10 years after they met. “Heather asked if she needed to call a paramedic to get me up off my knee, but thankfully she said yes!” Martin jokes. On 1 September 2023, they celebrated their wedding surrounded by loved ones, asking for donations to Keech in lieu of gifts. “Keech brought us together, and we are forever grateful.”
If it weren’t for Keech, we wouldn’t be here today, sharing a life together
Heather and Martin who attended our bereavement group
Related content
Kevin’s story
Alan and Marian’s story
Kirsty’s story
Sammi’s story
Stephen’s story
Dave’s story
Evelyn’s story
Lily’s story
Nicola’s story
Joyce’s story
David and Gloria’s story
Mark’s story
Sonia’s story
Carole’s story
Katie’s Story
John’s Story
Breanna’s Story
David’s Story
Zebby’s story
Robin’s story
Amelia’s Story
Stay in touch
Sign up to discover more about our work and how we can support you
Sign up