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Can you help bereaved parents who need our help?   Counselling Peer support Memory boxes Christmas presents Food parcels and food vouchers School uniforms Are all services we provide to parents who sadly endure the pain of losing a child . We rely SOLELY on fundraising and donations and…. We really need YOUR help.   We are asking you to tag all your workplaces, family and friends in this post and to ask them to take part in the Kiltwalk for Brightest Star.   When  September , Where  Glasgow Registration   https://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk   Choose Brightest Star as Charity & get #50PercentMore from Sir Tom Hunter  

Despite NO government or council grants/funding during the pandemic…   We have worked throughout all of the pandemic/lockdown providing bereaved families with…. Counselling Peer support Memory boxes Christmas presents Food parcels and food vouchers School uniforms PPE to our NHS heroes   We rely SOLELY on fundraising and donations and as you can imagine, that has been really difficult over the last 18 months.   We really need YOUR help. We are asking you to tag all your workplaces, family and friends in this post and to ask them to take part in the Kiltwalk for Brightest Star.   WhenSeptember , WhereGlasgow RegistrationOpens 9Am tomorrow   https://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk   Choose Brightest Star as Charity & get #50PercentMore from Sir Tom...

This week so many school uniforms….. Shirts Skirts Trousers Jumpers Stationery School Bags …. have all been hand delivered to families in need This would not have been possible without your support   “I cannot thank you enough for my children’s school uniforms, I lost my job after losing my daughter and I was so worried about how I would even cope in the shops never-mind how I would cope financially, you have taken one extra worry away from us. We cannot thank you enough”  

This year will be even more difficult for families who are worrying about how they are going to buy their children’s school uniforms.   I was very fortunate that I could afford to buy Jacks school uniforms, that he could pick the latest school bag, shoes or pencil case but I well aware, that’s not the case for everyone.   Just like Xmas time, this time of year can put so much financial stress on families. So many families are struggling to buy their children’s school uniforms, pencil cases etc. If Jack was here, I’d be buying those items for him so like every year, I...

These amazing ladies are climbing Ben Lomond For Brightest Star as we speak   They really want to raise £1000 if you can help them, please click below. Every penny counts towards supporting families after the loss of a child, sibling or grandchild xxx   https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shannon-mcnicholl  

Pay weekend has just been but for some families that doesn’t mean that they can afford to do things with their children   I was very fortunate that in Jacks six short years on this earth, I was able to take him on many days out and make lasting memories together. Some families are not as fortunate.   There is no denying that the last 18 months have been emotionally challenging for many families. Being bereaved of a child/sibling can be a very lonely time, and isolation due to the current situation can make it more difficult   With YOUR help and as restrictions...

The power of Jacks T-shirt To some people he’s just a little boy on a T-shirt but to me, that little boy is my world It warms my heart when I drive past someone out walking/running with Jacks T-shirt on their back.   Anyone around East Renfrewshire will most probably have seen Rosina out wearing Jacks vest. Sun, wind, rain, hail or snow, Rosina takes Jack out on EVERY run with her. Jack has travelled the world and ran marathons all over the world on Rosina’s back and heart. Rosina has raised thousands of pounds for Brightest Star over the years but there never be...

I am so so so so so so proud to say the total raised for this years Virtual Kiltwalk, plus the 50% top-up from The Hunter Foundation is an incredible £7,126.38   What an phenomenal achievement in these financially difficult times. Words cannot express how thankful we are to each one of you who took part for Brightest Star and to those who sponsored them. Without your care and passion for bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings, we would not be able to support them. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH   The top up from the Hunter Foundation is absolutely amazing and is such a...

Massive thanks and good luck to our Kiltwalkers this weekend. We have people walking, dancing and cycling all to raise funds for Brightest Star  

Today is Bruce 4th anniversary and his dad Bobby decided to do this to help others. Both heartbreaking and humbling 4 YEARS!   However it feels like yesterday. It’s the little things that have the BIGGEST impact. Like watching Macy and Bob grow so fast, Bob following me around like a shadow, Macy giving me some cheek followed by that great big smile meaning I can’t give her into trouble! Which all leave the mind wondering how would things be today.   The truth be told a told things would be completely different. I would likely not appreciate the little things, wouldn’t care so much about...

In absolute awe of Alan Lindsay and David Birnie who have been running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, all in aid of Brightest Star   While we have all been in our bed asleep, these guys have been up through the night on both Friday and Saturday running the streets to raise money to support families after the loss of a child, grandchild or sibling. Fundraising is so difficult just now so this literally is a lifeline for us. Thank you so much guys   Could you be the next one to take on this challenge?  

Out of Heartache and Hope Brightest Star was created on Valentines Day 2013, less than 2 months after I lost my beautiful boy Jack. My heart aches watching this video.   My boy is so full of life and happiness and 8 years on, I still can’t believe that he’s gone and that a virus killed him If love alone could have saved him, he never would have died.   As a charity, I had no idea just how much Brightest Star would grow and the demand there would be for our services Hundreds of bereaved families have been supported through our counselling, support groups...

Grief is the price you pay for love so why not give the gift of love to someone who has loved and lost this Valentines Day?   This Valentine’s Day won’t be the same as all the others, there will be no shopping trips, no nights out, no dinner and drinks in restaurants. For the price of a Valentine’s Day card, flowers or chocolates or even what would have been your taxi Faye to dinner, could you give the gift of love to a bereaved parent?   Unless you have lost a child and been faced with mortuaries and undertakers, you can never truly...

As the January challenges come to an end, we are asking ..... Can you take part in a challenge that would help brightest star 150%?   Would you consider supporting a small, local charity, in what will most probably be one of the only organised fundraising events of 2021?   You can take part in any Kiltwalk Inspired challenge you wish – go for a walk (of any length), a cycle, jump on a trampoline or even a family scavenger hunt! You decide on your challenge and as long as you're raising funds for your Brightest Star ... anything goes!   It’s this simple .... Take part wherever you...

I’m really sad to say that Covid has affected our charity like every other charity and business and we have had to make the difficult decision to leave our current office after 4 rewarding years. This was us at the end of the summer when we made the difficult decision to leave at the end of our lease in December 💔 Fundraising is at the lowest it has ever been and I’ve not felt comfortable asking people to donate/fundraise as I know many people are struggling both mentally and financially. As many of you know, we are not funded by the...

Just over three years ago these boys lost one of their best friends - Ross Sloan. It has been a really tough few years for all of his friends but especially for Ross’s family.   Brightest Star helped Ross’s family through an extremely difficult period and the boys did Movember to raise money for the charity in Ross Memory. People often ask what they can do to help someone who is grieving....these boys doing this to remember Ross is such a lovely way to show Ross family that they are thinking of them. They really want to get to £4000, hopefully we can can help...

Do you buy from AMAZON?   If so, you could also support Brightest Star at the same time as they will donate 0.5% of your purchase to us at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. All you have to do is visit smile.amazon.co.uk, and then select Brightest Star as your nominated charity.   Every donation no matter how small really makes a difference to the support we can give bereaved families at this financially challenging time.  

As many of you know, one of the services that we provide is one to one/couples counselling to those who have lost a son, daughter, grandchild or sibling. We usually provide this at our counselling room in our office at Linwood. Our office has been closed since the beginning of lockdown but our families have still been receiving their much needed counselling sessions online.   It might be weeks or months away before we can reopen our office but we are currently working with our friend Greg at Blue Parrot to see how we can reopen safely. As you will remember, Greg supported...

You never think that you will need to save your child’s life,You never think that you will need to perform life saving first aid on your child,You never think about any of these terrifying situations...Until you find yourself in that terrifying situation....If I only I knew then what I know now 💔 Yesterday our amazing 1st aider Iain came to our house to show us how to perform CPR or help Summer J if she was choking. It makes me so sad to think that knowing CPR could have saved Jacks life. In that past, I would always see first aid courses...

You all know how much Greg and his team at Blue Parrot assisted with our PPE campaign. Now they can help your businesses..... With weeks left of Lockdown to go and with the PM making clear that Social distancing is here for the long term, it’s time to think about what measures will be enforced in the workplace when we are able to return and Blue parrot are the people to help. Social distancing signage, protective screens, visors and protective masks. With demand high and materials in short supply it’s important to prepare early.They have turned their CNC, our Printers and...

Just some of our Frontline workers thanking you for helping us to fund their visors and masks 💪🏻These are just some of the people we clap for every week, it’s so sad to think what they are facing every day they go to work 💔 At last, the face behind the name that is Greg at Blue Parrot 🦜 Proud to call you my friend. If any business is looking for protective screens etc...Blue parrot is the place to go xx  

From listening to a news story saying that our local children’s hospitals were short of visors to fight against Covid19, to a phone call asking my amazing friend Greg at Blue Parrot Events to help me to source and make visors, I am now so proud to say that we have distributed over 2000 visors and 3000 masks to our Frontline Heroes.We were inundated with requests but we managed to get a supply to all the areas that asked for help. From hospitals, Covid units, hospices, cancer care, other charities, pharmacies, GP surgeries, Care homes, Ambulance Staff to Community nurses,...

Greg and his team are the faces behind the production of our visors.... They have been helping others, now is your chance to use their business...   Following our successful partnership, they have decided to offer their skill sets and machinery to increase our production externally. Some recent examples are their work desk and counter screens and social distancing floor stickers.   If you have any production requirements give their team a call. socialjungle.co.uk    

This photo makes me smile because this is the ward that looked after Summer J and I after she was born.Summer J was born on the 17th December and her big brother Jacks anniversary is on the 19th of December so it was a rollercoaster of emotions and the girls on the ward were just amazing with us. I’ll be forever grateful to them for going above and beyond for us 🥰

More of our visors and masks went out today Love seeing these photos, they make us feel so proud and also so lucky to be at home xx    

Hello lovely, hope your staying well and safe - just a wee message to say thank you so so much!   We are forever grateful to you for the visors, they are absolutely outstanding we have had a big shortage of PPE and working in a covid ward wearing this bit of kit has been a real mood booster, all of us appreciate this beyond measure , took a few wee pictures with the team , thanks so much again take care of yourself xxx   This is WHY we have been doing our Help our NHS heroes campaign. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpourNHSHeroes...   To everyone who has donated/fundraised,...

We no longer need to scream and shout, Brightest Star has helped us out   This makes me happy and sad at the same time.   This is what all your donations are going to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpourNHSHeroes...    

We no longer need to scream and shout, Brightest Star has helped us out   This makes me happy and sad at the same time.   This is what all your donations are going to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpourNHSHeroes...    

Help us to Help them   This is why we have been asking for donations ... We help our staff to fight Covid19 at the frontline.... 700 visors went out last week, Another 300 visors went out on Friday, Another 1000 are due to go out this Friday, Help us to Help them https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpourNHSHeroes...   We are a charity, trying to help other health care charities, care homes, hospitals, GP surgeries, NHS, community nurses... Help us to Help them https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpourNHSHeroes...    

WOW WOW WOW ....👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 £3720 has already been raised on Brightest Stars Help our NHS heroes JustGiving page. EVERY PERSON WHO HAS TO WORK JUST NOW DESERVES TO FEEL SAFE!!! Can you help us to keep more NHS staff safe? Over 700 visors and Cadbury Heroes were distributed last week, another batch are going out this Friday and thanks to Blue Parrot we are working on providing more. We have literally had hundreds of requests for visors and it’s my wish that we can we provide a supply no matter how large or small to every hospital, care home, doctors surgery, frontline...

This is the ward that my beautiful boy Jack fought for his life The RAH intensive care unit, in particular Doctor Brian Kelly gave my Jack the best of care during his time there.   They tried their best to save Jacks life and gave him the best chance they could. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be but I’ll never forget the the compassion they showed us. Providing them with visors meant so much to me.   I’m glad we could give back to them in some small way. Jacks now trying to give them best chance he can. As we all sit at home...

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE..It’s so true....We are all in this fight together 💪🏻 Today, with the amazing help of Greg and his team at Blue Parrot we distributed over 700 CE certified visors to our frontline NHS staff.GLASGOW SICK KIDS A & EGLASGOW SICK KIDS INTENSIVE CARE QUEH COVID WARDS QUEH A & EQUEH CRITICAL CARE QUEH MATERNITYRAH A & ERAH INTENSIVE CARERAH MATERNITY INVERCLYDE ROYALCROSSHOUSEKILBRIDE HOSPICE GLASGOW ROYAL INFIRMARY A & EGLASGOW ROYAL INFIRMARY COVID HIGH DEPENDANCY All received visors and our Cadbury Heroes today. It’s a safe to say that I’ve shed many tears looking at all...

This is what all the donations to our NHS heroes campaign means to the frontline staff. These photos brought tears to my eyes. We have the easy job staying at home I’m so very proud that I know Arlene Smith.Her charity Brightest Star always goes above and beyond helping others. Today along with her friends at Blue Parrot Events Group Ltd they have provided me with visors for our doctors and nurses and chocolates (nurses and doctors love chocolate ) for Crosshouse hospital. I have given them out to my team and ICU (thanks Yvonne McMahon) to help with the current situation....

We are busy making our “Hero Sweetie Bags” for our NHS heroes. We are going to put these in with the visors for our Frontline staff. They deserve to know how much they are appreciated.   Massive thank you to Stickalex who donated the stickers to us free of charge. They are absolutely amazing, so professional and they designed and printed these in less than 24 hours. https://stickalex.co.uk   Thank you to Yvonne and Colin at Allmark Sweets for donating the sweetie bags and helping us to source the Cadbury Heroes. https://www.allmarksweets.co.uk   Thanks also to Lorna at Tesco Renfrew for also helping us to source the heroes.   All...

As you all know, we’re working in collaboration with Blue Parrot Events to create safety masks for the frontline.   Greg has been pivotal in the sourcing and construction of the masks and this video makes me so proud to work with them. Here’s a message and a little update on what Blue Parrot are up to by their MD Greg Anderson.   As you will see from the video, the safety masks are nearly ready and together, we will try to help as many frontline staff as we can. https://www.facebook.com/Blueparroteventsgroupltd/videos/448711212583467/

We know that children being in hospital can be a very difficult time for both the child and their families. We know that it will be even more difficult in the current situation so we have decided to bring some cheer to the wards of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital by donating these Easter Arts and Crafts.   It’s only because of everyone who donates to Brightest Star that we are able to do these things. As you may know, the majority of our works supports families after the death of a child but we also see the need for our recent work.   Thinking of all...

Today Brightest Star managed to purchase 3000 of these medical masks for our NHS heroes to protect themselves. Theses can be distributed with the visors and as we have more of these, hopefully we can help more of our NHS heroes. If you have not already messaged us about visors and you would like to access some of these masks then please send me a private message.   Thanks yet again to Greg at Blue Parrot for helping us to order these. We can’t wait to see you on the road distributing these to our NHS heroes.   Massive thanks to everyone who has donated to...

Following the heartbreaking messages I received from our NHS staff looking for donations of the visors we purchased, we have decided to set up a Protect our NHS heroes JustGiving page. Our intention is to provide visors, masks and boxes of Cadbury Heroes to our NHS heroes at the frontline. There isn’t much many of us can to do physically help our NHS when we are home but this is something that we can do.   If you would like to donate you can do so at... https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpourNHSHeroes    

No doctor or nurse should have to put their own life at risk because they don’t have the right protective equipment....... They work to save our children and families every day so this is our chance to help them.....   This week we have been working on some special projects at Brightest Star.   When we saw the appeal for plastic from the sick kids hospital so they could make visors for the staff, I knew as a charity, we had to help in some way so I instantly contacted my amazing friend Greg at Blue Parrot. For our wedding gift, Greg made us the most...

What is the Corona/ Covid-19 Virus Really Teaching us? I’m a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens, whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad. As I meditate upon this, I want to share with you what I feel the Corona/ Covid-19 virus is really doing to us: 1) It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally, perhaps we should to. If you don’t believe me, just ask Tom Hanks. 2) It is...

As I read people complain about being at home with their children, I cannot help but think of those nurses in our hospitals who are currently sitting with families as they say their final goodbyes to their children. I can also only think about those nurses who are working 24/7 to help us, desperate to see their children and who are no doubt terrified that they could pass this horrendous virus onto their own children and families. Yet, people complain they have to spend time with their children? From a mother who has lost her son, it just leaves me speechless...

If love could have saved you,You never would have died 💔 That saying and this photo is the reality behind Brightest Star...A healthy little 5 year old boy who suddenly lost his life to the flu and a heartbroken mum who couldn’t find any support after the loss of her son. 7 years ago on Valentines Day, I launched Brightest Star with the hope of providing support to parents after the loss of a child.7 years on, we have achieved every aim that we set out and so much more. I really never envisaged how far Brightest Star would grow or how...

Around 7,500 child deaths, including around 3,000 stillbirths, occur in the UK every year. I hate the fact my son is a statistic but that’s the sad reality of it.Each year, 10,000 families like us are trying to live with the worst trauma that any parent can face. On top of that, parents have the financial worry of time of work and funeral expenses. When my Jack died, I was very fortunate that I worked for the council so I was eligible for 6 months full sick pay. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many bereaved parents. As there...

As another year comes to an end and we reflect on the year gone by, I just want to thank you all for your support this in 2019. Without you, our work would not be possible so I just wanted to let you see what YOU made possible this year…. We provided free one to one/couples counselling to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings, five times per day, three days per week, all year. We provided telephone support and support meetings for bereaved parents. We distributed over 200 memory boxes to hospitals and bereaved families. We trained parents and families in Emergency Paediatric first aid. We...

Christmas Wishes ..... This Saturday and Sunday we are sending over 150 bereaved families to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow. I was very lucky that I got take Jack to the Pantomine and it’s such a precious memory for me.Memories are so important and that is why we have chosen this Christmas Wish. For many of these families, there will be one very special person missing at the Pantomine, they will most definitely be there in everyone’s hearts. ALL tickets were sent by recorded delivery over 2/3 weeks so everyone should have received them by now. Once again,...

Christmas Wishes .... This weekend we are sending 45 families who have lost a sibling to meet Santa at Hamleys.These gift bags are all ready and waiting for the children to receive and we can’t wait for them to make special memories with their families.In this bag, they will each receive a selection box, Brightest star band and £20 Hamleys voucher to buy a present from the brother or sister that they sadly lost. All spaces at Hamleys and gift bags have been paid for by Brightest Star so PLEASE contact us if your child can no longer make it.This will give...

As much as I have thousands of photographs of Jack, I still find it really difficult to look at them.Photographs make my heart hurt, seeing my beautiful boy, his happy little face and his beautiful smile, make me miss him even more than I already do.When I see Jack in photographs or videos, I smile but then I start to cry because they make this nightmare feel like a reality. I am sure one day, I’ll be able to look at all my photographs and they won’t feel as raw but for now, I’m just really thankful to know that I...

Christmas is a time for family so it’s also a time to remember family members that we have lost. As part of our Christmas Wishes Campaign, we would love as many people as possible to take part in the 2019 Santa Dash for Brightest Star.Spend an hour of your day walking, jogging or running with family, friends, pets to remember people’s sons/daughters that they have lost. We all be giving out blue brightest star Santa hats 🎅🏻🧢 on the day for you to wear in memory of all bereaved families. The Santa Dash spaces sells out very quickly year so don’t miss out... To...

Summer J spent the day at Hamleys with her daddy and I organising Christmas Wish No1 and No2 in her big brothers memory. Christmas Wish No136 families who have lost a child will be spending the morning with Santa and his Elf’s in Hamleys. Christmas Wish No2Each child will also receive a Hamleys gift voucher on the day, from Brightest Star to buy a present from their much loved and missed brother or sister. We are planning more Christmas Wishes and we will update you with each of them. These Christmas wishes are only possible thanks to your fundraising and donations. As you may...

Christmas is a time of year that I find really difficult.Jack died 6 days before Christmas and his Birthday is on Christmas Day. Like many children, he absolutely loved that time of year and I’ve struggled to get through Christmas the last 6 years. I miss buying Jacks presents and seeing the happiness on his face when he opens them. Several years ago I decided that I wanted to buy Christmas presents for children less fortunate in Jacks memory. For me, it was a way of making Jack a part of Christmas, he was giving another child a reason to smile. This...

Brightest Stars next parent support group meeting is on Monday 7th October 6pm in the Hilton doubletree, Cambridge street, Glasgow for parents who have lost a child.These meetings are an informal opportunity for parents to talk about their child, their life and their grief. There is no pressure to talk at the meetings and it does not matter how recent or long ago your child died, what age your child was or what caused your child to die; every bereaved parent is welcome at Brightest Star. All we ask is that you try to arrive on time as the meeting...

Cancer, it’s a word that we all know and a word that we all dread to hear 😔I know what it feels like to lose child but I don’t know what it’s like to loss a child to Cancer and I can’t even begin to imagine.Probably every single person reading this post will know someone who has been affected by cancer and that is why we choose to donate a CoverCool to the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow. In the hospital ward, you can only spend a small amount of time with your child/family member before they need to be transferred...

Massive good luck to everyone taking part in the Kilmacolm 3k, 10k and half marathon for Team Bruce. The team have raised over £14,000 for Brightest Star in memory of Bruce. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robert-mcvitie1 This donation means so much to us, especially as Bruce’s family were able to use our services after his all to early passing. They have worked tirelessly with their friends and family to raise this phenomenal amount of money to help other families who find themselves in their heartbreaking situation. That is what you call inspirational and we are so grateful. Fundraising is getting harder and harder and because of...

THERE WILL BE NO NOVEMBER SUPPORT MEETING

When your child dies or is terminally ill, the bills don’t stop.“Normal life”still carries on around you and it’s emotionally, physically and financially difficult for so many families. To help ease just a small part of the financial burden with buying school uniforms is a privilege on our behalf. Jack might not be going back to school this year but he will go to school in the hearts of the families that we have helped. Because of Jack, maybe all the people who read the post will stop and think about all of those families who are suffering at this time...

May this gift of time with your precious baby allow memories that you will forever hold dear.Those we hold in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever ❣️ Cora’s Colour Crew have supported Brightest Star so much over the years. They have raised a phenomenal amount of money to support bereaved families, all led by Cora’s amazing mum, Louise. Louise has been such an emotional support to myself and other bereaved families and I’m proud to call her a best friend. This week, the hard work, dedication and fundraising from Cora’s Colour Crew made it possible for...

In the hospital ward, you can only spend a small amount of time with your child before they need to be transferred to the mortuary. Mortuaries also have opening and closing hours so again families are restricted to the times they can see their son/daughter. For some families this can be really distressing and the use of a cuddle cot for babies and a cooling system for a child/teenager/adult can prolong the time the parent has with their son or daughter on the ward. By having a cooling system, people could bring their son/daughter home for a longer time and...

Last month we spent the night in the royal hospital for children’s, accident and emergency department with our daughter Summer J. Just like fate or just like her big brother was watching, outside Summer J’s room was a poster saying things the children would like improved within the hospital and what the hospital have done to improve to those things. One little boy had written...I don’t like it when the television in my room isn’t working and next to it was a reply from the hospital saying they had two iPads in the department that the children could use.As I looked...

Are you or do you know a bereaved parent, grandparent or a sibling? We have one to one or couples counselling spaces coming up at our offices in Linwood.It does not matter the age of the child, (pregnancy/child/adult) or the cause/time of death, Brightest Star is open to all bereaved families 💙 If you would like more information or to arrange an initial appointment, please get in touch. Please share/tag this with any families you think may benefit from our support as Facebook limits how many people see posts. Our support groups for bereaved parents are on the 1st Monday of every months...

We will soon have spaces becoming available with our bereavement counsellors. If you have lost your son/daughter, grandchild or sibling at any age, from any cause of death and would like one to one or couples sessions at our office in Linwood then please get in touch.Please share this post with anyone that you think might benefit from our services 💙

After four years of fundraising and over 18 months of meetings and drawings...today two of our trustees transferred the funds to the Scottish Ambulance for Brightest Stars long waited Family Ambulance. 💙⭐️ This is a massive milestone for us as a charity and we want to thank every single person that donated towards this. The next stage of the Ambulance is now in the hands of the manufacturers and we will keep you updated of its progress. ... This is all in memory of you Jack    

We will soon have spaces becoming available with our bereavement counsellors. If you have lost your son/daughter, grandchild or sibling at any age, from any cause of death and would like one to one or couples sessions at our office in Linwood then please get in touch.Please share this post with anyone that you think might benefit from our services 💙

Just an update for anyone who passed on information about our memory boxes...I know many people commented that their hospital had similar memory boxes or boxes from Sands/simba but can I just emphasise that our boxes are no solely for babies like others might be.Brightest star memory boxes are for children of any age. The most important information in our memory box is the leaflet on the follow up support that we offer families after the death of their son/daughter, of any age, from any cause of death. If you have similar boxes, it would be great if you could...

We appreciate every donation that we receive as we rely solely on donations to do the work that we do. There is something really special about receiving a donation in memory someone's son or daughter. Today I returned to several cheques and online donations in memory of babies, boys, girls, men and women who have left this world all too soon. To everyone who has donated over the past 4 years, thank you for your support. To those who have raise money in memory of someone's s...on, daughter, grandchild, sibling or family member, thank you for remembering them through Brightest Star. We would...

💙🌟 4 years ago today I launched Brightest Star as a gift of love to Jack on Valentine’s Day hence the heart and star in our logo. I was so desperate to find support after I lost Jack that I was determined to put something in place for other families who would face this heartbreak. Since then I met/spoke to hundreds of families that have lost their son or daughter and I am blessed to know their child’s story. One year ago today, we opened the doors o...f Hulks Haven and we have seen so many families come through our door since...

Spending time with your son or daughter is such a precious thing. Spending time with them after they die feels even more precious. This week we have spent time seeing how the Cuddle Cot for babies and Cuddle Blanket for toddlers, teenagers and adults work. These pieces of equipment will allow families to spend longer with their son or daughter at home or on the hospital ward Thanks to a truly amazing anonymous donation we have been able to purchase one Cuddle Cot and one Cuddle Blanket and these will be with us within 4 weeks. From the bottom of my...

Can you imagine telling your son or daughter that their brother or sister has died? Can you imagine knowing that for the 1st time as a parent, there is nothing that you can do to protect them from pain or hurt? Can you imagine trying to deal with the death of one of your children whilst still trying to parent other children? Trying to cope with your grief whilst, trying to help your child to cope with their grief for their sibling. Jack was an only child so I can’t imagine ...what other parents go through. I know...

“I came into this hospital with my son and I am leaving with a bag”. I will never forget saying those words leaving my mouth or how I felt walking out that hospital without Jack. Looking at that blue bag still haunts me, I should still have Jack at home, not that blue bag. Hearing Kim Marsh on Coronation Street say “I went into hospital with a baby and left with a leaflet” vividly brought back so many painful memories of losing Jack. For thousands of families across the UK, ...I can imagine this storyline has brought back so many memories of...

Spending time with your son or daughter is such a precious thing. Spending time with them after they die feels even more of a precious. Your son or daughter dying is something that no parent wants to think about but I know when my son died, I was very anxious about the very little time I had left with him before he was buried. In the hospital ward, you can only spend a small amount of time with your child before they need to be transferred to the mortuary. Mortuaries also have opening and closing hours so again families...

“It took me a long time to attend a meeting, but when I did it felt like coming home or putting a comfy pair of slippers on, feeling support and love in the room with people who you didn't know but you felt as if you had known them all” “Brightest Star meetings with other bereaved parents is the only thing that sometimes makes sense and it's the only place in which one’s silence is completely accepted, any emotion is. There was never a tunnel only love”. These are some quot...es from parents who have attended the Brightest Star support meetings. The...

It must be very difficult To be a man in grief, Since "men don't cry" and "men are strong" No tears can bring relief. It must be very difficult To stand up to the test, And field the calls and visitors So she can get some rest. They always ask if she's all right And what she's going through. But seldom take his hand and ask, "My friend, but how are you?" He hears her crying in the night And thinks his heart will break. He dries her tears and comforts her, ...

We are now back after a much needed rest and as always, we are here to support families affected by the death of a son/daughter at any age, from any cause of death. If you are looking for support after the loss of a child, we offer peer support, group support, one to one or couples counselling. For siblings we offer play therapy or a bereavement programme. Sadly, due to demand our appointments fill up very quickly so if you would like to arrange an appointment please get it t...ouch via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., private message or call our office on 0141...

As another year ends and many people feel sad at the thought of a starting a new year without their loved ones, I am thinking about all the families who have survived another year without their child and all those who have loved them through their grief. As 2016 comes to a close we are sadly reminded that our services are needed more than ever and the number of bereaved families seeking our help in growing each week. Brightest stars success in 2016 would never been have been... possible without the support from all of you. Through your fundraising and raising awareness...

Jack Kennedy 25 December 2006 - 19 December 2012 We see people come See people go... This particular boy is extra special I know you might be gone And the world may not know Still, I see you celestial I know I’m going to miss you, I know But when I’m cold, I know that you’re with me And the way you will show, when you’re with me wherever I go But you give me this feeling, it’s everglow What I wouldn't give for this moment to hold Yeah, I live for this feeling, it’s everglow So if you love someone, you...

Thanks to last nights response and people donating money to buy a present in Jacks memory, we went to shops today and bought more toys to give to less fortunate children this Xmas 💙🌟 As much as it broke my heart walking around a toy shop thinking about what I should be buying for Jack, I know that these will make a child smile the way Jack used to smile. Thanks to everyone for their kindness and in particular my husband Paul for helping me to do this today to remember my little prince in such a special way this Xmas...

SAVE THE DATE...ITS COMING BACK Many of you have been asking when and if the Brightest Star Ball will return so we are super excited to announce its return on 27th May 2017 in the Hilton Glasgow. More details will be announced soon but for now for get your friends, family or workplace lined up for what promises to be your best night out in 2017. This could make an excellent Christmas present for someone you love or for your staff. Not only are you giving them a great night ...out but you are also giving to Charity. For now, here is...

I sometimes forget just how horrific my experience of looking for support after the death of my son was. Seeing this video again was a weak reminder for me but sadly my experience wasn't unique, I hear similar stories every other week. There is very little help out there for families that lose a son or daughter. Many of the services that are available are provided through small charities like Brightest Star. People don't realise that many of our hospitals DONT have a bereave...ment service or follow up support. In Glasgow I know for a fact that they don't offer one,...

"My big sister was very loved and she is missed so much by all the family." Thank you to Kaitlyn for sharing this video and to Giana and Cian for sharing their stories with us this week. All of these children are a credit to their families and the siblings that they have lost. Cherly, our play therapist does amazing work with Brightest Stars siblings and I would like to personally thank her for all her hard work. ... Without all of Brightest Stars supporters fundraising, this service would never be possible so on behalf of all the families that we support,...

"My brother died and I was really sad about it" Children grieve too and this video highlights the need for them to be able to talk about their feelings. As part of Child Grief awareness week, Brightest Stars siblings have made poems and videos to make people aware of a child's grief. ... Children grieve too, #MakeTime2Listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcLAsmW77j8

Can you imagine having to tell your son or daughter that their brother or sister has died? Can you imagine telling a child that they will never see their mother or father again? Can you imagine sending your child to school and telling them that their best friend won’t be there to play with them because they have died? The poem ANGEL was written by one of Brightest Stars siblings who lost his sister. When I 1st read it, it sent shivers down my spine as it made me take the tim...e to think about how hard it must be to...

I don't have any other children but I have spent enough time with parents who do to know how much this phrase hurts them. Take a moment to ask yourself if you could live without any of your children. No child makes the loss of another child any better

“Sometimes the brothers and sisters are forgotten about and they are grieving as well”. As part of child grief awareness week, Brightest Star is providing an information evening/workshop for parents/grandparents/carers of children/young people who have lost a sibling. This will give you an opportunity to look at some practical strategies that you could do with the child/young person at home to support them with their grief. We can only take a maximum of 12 and this will be... on a 1st come, first served basis. To reserve you place, you need to send an email with your name, contact...

Have you lost a child or know someone who has lost a child? Our support groups are open to people who have lost a child at any age, from any cause of death and our last support groups for 2016 are: GLASGOW...Monday 5th December 2016 - Level 3, Glasgow Hilton, William Street, 1800-2000 EDINBURGH Wednesday 7th December Radisson Blue, The Royal Mile, 1800-2000 I am looking to expand our groups in 2016 and I currently looking for areas that people would like to see Brightest Star groups running and also counsellors in those areas. We already have them in Glasgow and Edinburgh so I'm...

Lots of discussions and planning today for Brightest Stars dream of a family ambulance to become a reality. In his short life, Jack touched the hearts of many people and in his all too sudden death, Jack will forever more touch the hearts of many people through the work of Brightest Star. You made this happen Jack 💙... Love your very proud mummy xx

Thank you to Channel W and Amanda Holden for allowing us to talk about our beautiful children, our life after their death and our journey through grief on tonight's "I've Got Something To Tell You" Amanda, one of brightest stars mums made this all possible. With her courage and bravery, she allowed us to spread the word on child loss. Bethany will be the proudest daughter shining in the sky tonight

When your child dies, “You are part of a club that you never wanted to be part of” Tonight two of the most caring parents that I know, Liam and Elaine share the story of their beautiful healthy daughter Lucy who died from myocarditis. They are part of a club that no parent ever wants to be part of but a club, that they want people to be aware of. Liam and Elaine made this very moving video to raise awareness of myocarditis and the lack of support available to parents after t...he death of their child. Men are often told...

This video is my life, a life I never thought would be mine but a life that could just as easily be your life tomorrow. Tonight I am going to share Jacks Journey as he is what led us to this place and he will forever drive me to raise awareness of child bereavement and grief. When Jack died aged 5, I was very naïve and thought that children didn’t die, I really did think I was the only person in the world to lose child. Sadly that is not the case, in 2015, 3181 children from ages 0-4 died in...

When Jack died, I didn’t know where to turn, I found I very hard to find help anywhere and in a moment of sheer despair, I called a helpline. The horrific experience you hear on this video is exactly why I started Brightest Star, that experience will live with me until the day that I die. Sadly, my experience of telephone helplines was not unique, only today I heard another story almost identical to mine. Due to my own experience, Brightest Star does not have a helpline numbe...r for bereaved families and why I would never turn anyone any who...

Would you know what to do if your child stopped breathing? Did you know that if oxygen does not get to the brain within 3 minutes of a child stopping breathing, that serious brain damage is likely? Would you know what to do if your child choked? ... Brightest Star now provides Paediatric Emergency First Aid Courses to anyone who wants to learn Paediatric emergency life saving skills. As a charity, we are very passionate about raising awareness of life savings skills and Jack’s Mummy has worked with a qualified trainer to build a 3 hour course that covers: CPR CHOKING CONVULSIONS AND SEIZURES DROWNING...

Have you lost a child (of any age, at any time, from any cause of death), a grandchild or a brother/sister and feel that you need some extra support? Do you know some who has lost a child in their family? They may be looking for support and not know that Brightest Star exists. If so, we have some appointments available with our experienced child bereavement counsellor that you may be interested in. This provides a safe therapeutic space to talk one to one about the child and your grief, thoughts, feelings and worries. If you would like to know more...

When Jack died, I didn’t know where to turn, I found I very hard to find help anywhere and in a moment of sheer despair, I called a helpline. The horrific experience you hear on this video is exactly why I started Brightest Star, that experience will live with me until the day that I die. Sadly, my experience of telephone helplines was not unique, only today I heard another story almost identical to mine. Due to my own experience, Brightest Star does not have a helpline number for bereaved families and why I would never turn anyone any who...

This is every parents worst nightmare and one experience that I never want to go through again. This ambulance is almost in touching view for Brightest Star but we need your help to make it possible, you might be one to the people who needs to use this ambulance. I am overwhelmed at the number of people have already been in touch to say that they are organising fundraising nights or attending future events. We have two organised events left this year. For adults...The Great ...Scottish Run 10k or half marathon on Sunday 2nd Oct 2016. For children and families....The Family Great...

Could you spare 1 hour or a couple of hours on any of the following days? August Friday 12th Saturday 13th... Friday 26th Saturday 27th September Friday 23rd Saturday 24th October Friday 28th Saturday 29th People are always asking for ways that they can support or volunteer within Brightest Star and below is one simple way that you can. Marks and Spencer in Braehead have choosing Brightest Star as their store charity for 2016-2017 and they have allocated 2 days per month to bag pack from 11-4. If you could give up one hour or a few hours...

How would you feel if you had to leave your child to travel alone in ambulance? How would you feel if there was a possibility that you child may die in an ambulance without you there? How would you feel if your child died in an ambulance and you weren’t there as they took their last breath? As you can see in the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADZvfjBY2dI I will never forget being told that neither I or Jacks dad could travel with Jack in the ambulance. I will never forget the feeling I had watching them place Jack in an ambulance and...

Child loss, parent support group meetings for 2016. Monday 8th August 2016 - Level 3, Glasgow Hilton, William Street, 1800-2000 Monday 5th September 2016 – Level 3, Glasgow Hilton, William Street, 1800-2000 ... Monday 3rd October 2016 - Level 3, Glasgow Hilton, William Street, 1800-2000 Monday 7th November 2016 Level 3, Glasgow Hilton, William Street, 1800-2000 Monday 5th December 2016 - Level 3, Glasgow Hilton, William Street, 1800-2000

Thanks to each one of you, we have come a long way since this video in 2013. Hulks Haven is now open in Glasgow and we are providing all of the services that are mentioned in this video and more. We are pleased to announce that the counseling services are now being extended to grandparents. As we have a limited number of spaces left for bereaved parents and grandparents counseling, I would ask you to contact me asap to arrange appointments. Please contact via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via private message. Please pass this information onto bereaved parents or grandparents that...

Just like a mum, a dad doesn't have a child and ever expect there to be a day when their child isn't alive anymore. It's not just mums that grieve and miss their children, dads do too and sometimes their pain can wrongly be forgotten. I'm not a dad so I can't talk from a dads perspective nor would I try to but I personally feel that Dads are wrongly faced with the stereotypes and cliches of "men have to be strong" "men have to look after the rest of the family" "men should...n't cry" "men need to move...

It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, what age you are or how much you earn, children dying is reality for us all. Yes it's not a reality that people want to think about but sadly its a reality that thousands of families live with on a daily basis. Yesterday got to spend some time yesterday with Amanda Holden and she really is beautiful on the inside and outside. She is one of the most caring and kind people that you could meet and I love the way that she was so willing to talk about child bereavement...

This message sums up everything I always say.... Yes we rely solely on donations but.... It's not always about raising money, it's about getting the T-shirts on and letting people know about Brightest Star. Just by putting that T-shirt on your back, your are spreading the word and work of brightest star and together, we can reach and support more families who lose a child. ... Jack is very special, to those who knew him, the most special little boy in the world but most of the people who take part in our events, don't just do it for jack or I....

The 1st aid course at Toryglen on Tuesday has been cancelled. People asked for that area but due to low numbers, it's not viable to run the course. I have emailed those who have registered but if you know them, please ask them to check their email xx