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Scottish Gathering "emotional but there's lots of laughter too..."

Some lovely words of feedback from the Scottish Gathering of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparent in the first weekend in May 2019 in Perthshire - the theme of the weekend was 'A New Path'.

"I met the most incredible people at the first timers' meeting- we cried, we shared and we came together to remember our beautiful children and loved ones....On Saturday morning...our inspirational speaker, Michael Angus, shared so passionately about his dear son Christopher - we all cope with our loss differently and Michael's way was by trekking round the world raising thousands of pounds for a Children’s Hospital in Glasgow...Discussion groups and craft workshops followed.

In the afternoon we were off to our Compassionate Friends' memorial garden in Perth to plant our new tree to commemorate the fiftieth year of our charity. A poem written by Betty Madill was beautifully read by Marion Cameron and we then lovingly placed our ribbons and hearts for our loved ones on the already established Rowan Tree. Finally wewere treated to cake, tea and coffee organised by the dedicated volunteers from Beautiful Perth. They have given us the most beautiful place to remember our children, our grandchildren, our brothers and sisters no matter where in the world you come from....It would be impossible for me to fully put into words what happened over this weekend but I know when I left on Sunday I was taking home with me the most beautiful memories to last a lifetime of the most wonderful people I met over just a few days".

"I was at the Scottish Gathering at the weekend and met some lovely people...for anyone that's worried about going to one of these gatherings, it is very emotional but there's lots of laughter too. I would recommend these weekends to everyone".

"Thank you to everyone who organised the Scottish Gathering and everyone there who made me feel so welcome and loved. I had a whole weekend thinking and talking about my son and loved hearing stories of everyone’s lovely children. An amazing weekend that I will always remember".

"Emotional weekend at the Scottish Gathering making and renewing connections with others; wonderful trip to the memorial garden too. Many thanks to all the organising committee who put in so much thought and time and made it so special".

"The Scottish Gathering of TCF is exactly that. A gathering of bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings of those children we have lost. Some recent like us and some 30 years plus. All still bonded by the loss and love of our angels. We laugh, we cry, we hug, we eat, we drink but most of all, we say their name, many times. And it gives us hope, hope that on this journey like no other, we find a way to walk this new path".

Read Clare Lechner's full report of the Gathering.