Holly’s dad, Damian, was her hero. Together with her mum, Vicky, they were an inseparable trio; the three musketeers, a family bound by love and adventure. Damian was everything a dad should be – fun-loving, adventurous, and deeply devoted.
Today, Holly sits beside her mum, reunited with her Just ‘B’ Support Worker, Emma. As she shares her story, she speaks with a mix of sorrow and gratitude – grateful for the compassionate support that helped her navigate the depths of her grief.
The room brightens the moment fifteen-year-old Holly walks in. She has a huge smile, a bubbly personality, and an incredibly endearing sweet nature.
Behind her smile lies a very sad truth. Holly’s healthy dad heartbreakingly died in unexpected circumstances.
Holly’s face lights up as she recalls her dad. Their bond was built on shared passions and endless laughter. They were adventurers and loved exploring the countryside, mountain biking on rugged trails, or taking long walks with their beloved pug, Reggie. They also enjoyed cooking together, eating out and getting up to mischief.
One of Holly’s fondest memories is secretly sneaking off with her dad to pick out Reggie as a puppy. Then came the phone call to her mum, pleading for the money to bring him home that day. A small, joyful act that became a cherished family story.
“Dad was the kind of person I could tell anything to,” she says wistfully. “He was caring, creative, and always up for an adventure. Weekends were family time – we spent them together, making memories.”
Travel was so important, having shared many happy holidays or always planning the next one.
Their last family holiday, in Greece, was more than just a getaway. It was a celebration of love and life. Holly had turned fourteen, her parents marked their 25th wedding anniversary, and her cousin had just become engaged. Surrounded by family, they laughed, celebrated, and created precious memories by the sea. This was their last holiday as a few weeks later, Holly & Vicky’s lives were turned upside down.
Looking back, Holly cherishes that trip more than she could have ever imagined at the time.
“We were sitting at the dinner table. Dad had been complaining of headaches for a few days, but he often had migraines, so we didn’t think much of it,” she recalls. “Then, suddenly, he let out a scream and grabbed his head. He moved to the sofa, but soon he was struggling to breathe. We knew it was serious and called an ambulance immediately.”
Doctors determined Damian had suffered a serious brain aneurysm. He needed urgent surgery in Leeds, but he was too unstable to be transferred that night. He was transferred to resuscitation then he made it to intensive care, where he fought hard. He was transferred to Leeds, but when he finally underwent surgery, the damage was too severe.
“He made it through the operation, but he had suffered a massive brain bleed and was left brain-dead. There was no chance of recovery, so keeping him alive wouldn’t have changed anything.” Holly explains.
The last time she saw her dad before surgery, he squeezed her hand. One final, silent moment she holds onto dearly.
“He was healthy. There was no reason behind it, sadly it can just happen,” she said quietly.
Although heartbreaking, Holly takes great pride in knowing her father was an organ donor.
His selflessness saved three lives, including someone who received his heart.
Inspired by his legacy, Holly was determined to raise awareness. Upon returning to school, she gave a presentation to her classmates on the importance of organ donation, ensuring that her dad’s generosity continues to make a difference. Damian received the posthumous Order of St John, an award Holly and the family will treasure forever.
Grieving is never a straight road. Holly’s journey was marked by waves of emotion.
“At first, I felt numb, then I was deeply upset. After that, I went through a phase of anger before the sadness returned,” she reflects. “I also became really anxious about my health. If I had a headache, I would immediately fear the worst.”
Following a referral, Holly began receiving support from Just ‘B’. Her Support Worker, Emma, tailored each session to help process her emotions and keep her dad’s memory alive. Through talking, making loom bands, creating a memory salt jar, and engaging in meaningful activities, Holly found a way to express her grief in a safe space.
Speaking about her experience, Holly said:
“At first, I didn’t know Emma and had never spoken to her before the sessions, so it felt easier in a way – like she wouldn’t judge me, just listen and offer support.
“It was really special to share stories about my dad with her. My friends had already heard them all before, so it was nice to have someone new to talk to. Remembering those moments is important to me, and the more I talk about them, the more memories come back.”
“Emma is lovely – really kind and caring. She listened to me, and I felt like I could talk to her about anything – how I was feeling, memories of my dad, just anything on my mind. She never judged, and she was always there to listen, which meant a lot.”
As the conversation comes to a close, Holly is asked why she wanted to share her story.
“Because places like Just ‘B’ need support,” she says, her voice steady with quiet determination. “Without them, people like me wouldn’t have anyone to turn to. We need to make sure services like Just ‘B’ can continue helping families like mine.”
In tribute to Holly and her dad, consider donating today. Help secure the future of Just ‘B’ services so that families navigating grief never have to do it alone.
If you are affected by reading Holly’s story, or looking for our help with feelings of bereavement, explore our services.
