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Packed AGM spellbound by author of The Sad Book

Press release: Michael Rosen on his grief for his son and society’s difficulty with death.

"Sometimes sad is very big.
It's everywhere. All over me."

It was wonderful to hear children's author, poet and broadcaster, Michael Rosen speaking to a full theatre at The Compassionate Friends AGM on Saturday 5 November. Michael spoke openly to the bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents assembled there about his talented and funny son, Eddie, and his sudden death from meningitis at the age of 18. Talking candidly about his own and others' reactions at the time of his son's death, he also told us about the rituals and events he and his family organised as they tried to make sense of the loss of Eddie. A wonderful storyteller and inspiring speaker - all in the room were spellbound.

Michael stayed after the main business of the afternoon to sign copies of The Sad Book and his Selected Poems (which includes wonderfully simple and honest poems about Eddie and his death)...he spent over an hour with a queue of parents and siblings talking with each as he signed and dedicated his books to their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.

Our guest speaker was warmly thanked and presented with a gift by our Chair of Trustees, Margaret Brearley.

A great afternoon, and our huge thanks to Michael for taking the time to speak to and be with us.

More details about the day will be in the next edition of our charity's newsletter, TCF News. To receive a copy join us as a donating member.