A 15-year-old girl from Harrogate is raising awareness of a bereavement charity following the tragic loss of her dad.
Holly is supporting Just B’s campaign for support after her dad, Damian, passed away following a brain aneurysm at the family dinner table.
Just B provides emotional wellbeing and bereavement services, and was there to support Holly and her mum following Damian’s death.
This week, Holly was reunited with her Just B support worker, Emma, to share her story.
Following a referral, Holly began one-to-one sessions with Emma, who tailored each session to Holly’s needs.
Together they talked, made loom bands, created a memory salt jar, and found meaningful ways to honour Damian’s memory.
Holly said:
“It was really special to share stories about my dad.
“My friends had already heard them all before, so it was nice to have someone new to talk to.”
Following Damian’s brain aneurysm, he was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
Though he made it through the operation, the damage was too severe - Damian had suffered a brain bleed and was declared brain dead.
The last time Holly saw her dad was just before his surgery, when he gently squeezed her hand — a moment she treasures to this day.
Holly said:
“Remembering those moments is important to me, and the more I talk about them, the more memories come back.”
Holly shared a close bond with her dad, built on shared adventures in the countryside, mountain biking, travel and long walks with their beloved pug, Reggie.
The loss was devastating - but support from Just ‘B’ helped her begin to navigate the grief.
Just ‘B’ is part of a wider family of services, including Herriot Hospice Homecare and Saint Michael’s Hospice, delivering emotional wellbeing and bereavement support across the Harrogate District and Hambleton and Richmondshire.
The charity supports individuals of all ages through some of life’s most challenging moments.
The campaign comes at a crucial time.
Demand for Just ‘B’s services continues to grow, and the majority of funding relies on the generosity of local individuals, businesses, and charitable trusts.
The charity is calling on the community to come together and help fund its pledge to support 50% more people over the next three years.
Holly is now determined to honour her dad’s legacy—not only by raising awareness of Just ‘B’, but also of the life-changing power of organ donation.
Damian’s selfless gift saved three lives, including someone who received his heart.
Read more about Holly's story and donate to Just B here.
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