Hello,
On August 27 2010, My son Jack, died in a tragic accident at our family home in Cumbria, he was 23 months old.
Nothing could have prepared me for the devastating sense of loss; Jack's death literally tore apart the lives of my family and we continue to grieve for him every day. Just after Jack died, Family and Friends had to return to work and I was left to cope alone as they were only entitled to 3 days bereavement leave.
Having personally experienced the terrible impact of family bereavement, I am now campaigning to help others in a similar situation and need 100,000 signatures of support. My objective is to ensure that sufficient provision is made by employers to allow those affected the time and opportunity they need to make funeral arrangements and to grieve.
Currently the standard policy of employers is to allow 3 days paid bereavement leave, which includes time off for the funeral. Any time taken beyond that must be used as holiday, sick or unpaid leave. In some cases, the consequences of taking additional time off work has led to financial difficulties and even the loss of a job, all at a time when people need support.
I would like the policy on bereavement leave to be revisited with a view to providing more flexibility for anyone suffering a family loss. In some cases the best solution is to return to work quickly to try to maintain a focus at such a difficult time, but for others 3 days paid leave is simply not enough time to come to terms with the situation and be able to return to work and be productive.
Whilst living in Cumbria John Woodcock was my MP, but since moving back to be closer to family in August of last year Dr Philip Lee is now my MP whom I am working closely alongside.
I have set up an epetition on the government website to try and get 100,000 signatures and have a group on Facebook called change Bereavement Leave.
I have ahead of me a long journey but by doing something is helping me make a positive out of my Negative. Everyday I am sad at the loss of my son Jack but he would want me to continue to laugh and smile like I did when he was alive, and somehow I will find my inner strength to learn to LAUGH AND SMILE again without feeling guilty. If I can make a change to just one persons life like Jack and my other children do to me then my campaigning will be worthwhile :-) and Jacks memory wil be kept alive.