Run31

RUN 31 OR SQUAT 3100 FOR LIFESAVING CHARITY AIR AMBULANCE KENT SURREY SUSSEX

Following on from its successful Run 31 challenge in January this year, Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is inviting members of the public to join its fitness fundraising activities for the 31 days of March and help raise vital funds for the life-saving charity.

Two options are available: Run 31, which involves running a total of 31 miles throughout March and Squat 3100 - to complete 3100 squats by the end of the month. You can do either challenge in a way that works best for you, whether that means a small amount each day or endurance sessions once or twice a week. You can even undertake both!

It costs £15 million each year to deliver the charity’s world-leading pre-hospital emergency care service 24/7 and 88% of this is raised through public donations. By taking part, you can help KSS to continue to save lives.

For further information or to sign up and receive a free t-shirt, visit aakss.org.uk/run31 or aakss.org.uk/squatchallenge

POEM CORNER

SECOND THOUGHTS ON: “IN PRAISE OF HUGS”

I wish to make a little plug In favour of the common hug. . . . . . . A timely hug can often convey Much more than words could ever say. ----------------- Writing those lines a few years ago How could I guess, how could I know That one of the things you can no longer do Is hold someone dear, close to you To give them a hug, a warm embrace, To have a laugh, to chat, face to face. Sadly, close contact means an exchange of breath Which can spread infection and lead to death. So the only safe hug, it would seem Is mimed through a window, or a computer screen.

When we are allowed to meet again It will take more than a hug to ease the pain.

MARION KEMP

February 2021

fire and iron gallery In House

Gorgeous ironwork made locally at the historic Rowhurst Forge and available in our online shop www.fireandiron.co.uk

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As the Covid 19 pandemic continues we are witnessing grief and loss on a national scale not experienced in our lifetimes. Over 100,000 people have now died with Covid. Many thousands more have died of other causes in the last year too. Each loss leaves family, friends and colleagues devastated. Some have not been able to say goodbye to a loved one. Many have not been able to attend funerals and the first days, weeks and months of mourning have been in isolation for many more. No hand holding, no hugs, no dropping by for a cup of tea. Recent findings from an ongoing study by researchers at Cardiff University and the University of Bristol* confirmed 67 per cent were unable to say goodbye to their loved one as they would have liked, 81 per cent had limited contact with other close relatives or friends and 67 per cent experienced social isolation and loneliness. Our traditional paths of grief have been stopped in their tracks by the pandemic. But social distancing must not stop us sharing our grief. At The Good Grief Trust our mission is to ensure instant and easy access to support for those struggling with a loss, and from day one let every person grieving know they are not alone. Former Grange Hill actress, Linda Magistris, founded the Trust in 2016 after the death of her partner Graham. She explained: “When Graham died, I just didn’t know where to turn and nobody seemed to acknowledge or understand my grief. I simply was not signposted to the support I needed.” Run by the bereaved, for the bereaved, we have over 800 local, national and bespoke bereavement support services listed on our website. We offer ‘Hope and Help in one place’ and in recognition of this, our emblem is the umbrella. Connection is vital. To help plug the gaps in support across the UK, we host regular community Pop-Up Good Grief Cafes to bring the bereaved together. These cafes are now running virtually, and attendance has increased 70% since the pandemic began. In addition to immediate signposting via the website, we are distributing hundreds of thousands of our Good Grief condolence and signposting cards to front line services to direct the bereaved to immediate help. Our work is more crucial than ever now. National bereavement support services have been disrupted. There are long waiting lists and a one-size fits all approach to grief does not work. Often information does not reach those grieving alone at home. The *University researchers found that half of those who lost a loved one during the pandemic were not provided with any information about bereavement support, and more than half (56%) of people who tried to access bereavement services reported experiencing difficulties. Grief can be complicated but access to support never should be. Please support our work, and the bereaved by visiting our online shop at www.goodgrieftrust.org/