20 tcf.org.uk One of the most difficult things for us to do after the death of a son or daughter is to go away on holiday...having to see all those 'complete' families can be just unbearable. Two years ago, The Compassionate Friends were very pleased to form a relationship with Jack and Margaret Reckitt who have a holiday and retreats business, Manoir Mouret, in South West France. Margaret is a bereaved sibling - she sadly lost her brother when she was in her 20s. For the past few years, Jack and Margaret have offered bereaved parents the opportunity to stay at Manoir Mouret at no charge. Over the last few years, several groups of TCF members have spent a week at Manoir Mouret and experienced not only the peaceful rural environment and stunning property themselves but also the reassurance of being in a safe supportive space with other bereaved parents. If you would like more details go to: manoirmouretretreats.com/tcf2025 COMPASSION | FEATURE - MANOIR MOURET Manoir Mouret My husband and I are in France, Manoir Mouret, a beautiful place offered to bereaved parents for a holiday. We have our own apartment; other bereaved parents are here too. It’s Monday: we’ve been here a couple of days. We go out to a little medieval town, the steepest hill I’ve walked in many a year with a cobbled street, French bistros, gorgeous little shops, a chocolate shop at the top: a treat for all that climbing! I sit and I start to cry. How dare things be so beautiful? Peter is missing out - he loved these towns. We’d been to this part of France before, he loved it. I have the trinkets he bought me and I’m sure his sister still has hers, too. I’m suddenly overcome with sadness. I’m not interested right now in the things this place has to offer and I want to go back to the chateau, so we have a long walk back to the car. I feel terrible for breaking our day. My husband decides to go for a walk, again I’m grateful he Vera writes from Manoir Mouret
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