Finding Understanding After Loss – Our ‘Life After Loss’ Group

Losing someone to a brain tumour can feel incredibly isolating. Even when surrounded by family and friends, many people tell us that it can be difficult to find others who truly understand the unique challenges, emotions and experiences that come with a brain tumour diagnosis and bereavement.

Our ‘Life After Loss’ group in Leeds was created to provide a warm, welcoming and understanding space where people can connect with others who have walked a similar path.

The group is facilitated by YBTC Ambassadors, Chris and Dawn, whose own experiences help shape the supportive and compassionate atmosphere that people often comment on when attending.

Chris and Dawn facilitate our 'Life After Loss' group in Leeds on the second Monday of every month.

After losing his wife Ellen to Glioblastoma in 2019, Chris first connected with Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity through bereavement support. Dawn’s late husband Roy was diagnosed with a grade 3 brain tumour in 2016, and she too became involved with the charity through the Leeds Support Group before later attending the bereavement group after Roy sadly passed away in 2019.

Chris and Dawn met through the group in 2020 and married in 2022. Today, they continue to support the charity through fundraising, volunteering and facilitating the ‘Life After Loss’ group together.

Reflecting on their involvement, both speak openly about the comfort that can come from simply being around people who understand:

“We had the opportunity to chat to like-minded people at different levels of their treatment.”

The group itself is informal and relaxed, meeting in a café environment over drinks and conversation. There is never any pressure to talk, and people attend for many different reasons. Some want to share memories and experiences, whilst others simply value listening and being around others who understand.

Whilst the group is primarily for people who have experienced bereavement, we also warmly welcome people who are currently supporting a loved one through end-of-life care and experiencing many of the same emotions and uncertainties.

Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, you are very welcome.

Following feedback from attendees, the group is now moving from the 4th Friday of every month to the 2nd Monday of every month, whilst continuing to run from 1.30pm – 3pm.

The group takes place in a private upstairs room at 200 Degrees Coffee, 31 Bond Street, Leeds, just a short walk from Leeds Train Station. There is lift access available to the room, and all attendees are welcome to enjoy a free drink during the session.

Feedback from attendees shows just how important these connections can become:

“Thank you for all past support - this is a wonderful service and I made some lasting friendships.”

“I've enjoyed the group so far and feel understood and accepted; the people here understand the symptoms my family member went through and we can bond over those difficulties from a different perspective that helps us to process everything we've been through.”

“Just to say I have been to the group a few times and found it really welcoming and helpful, thank you to Dawn and Chris.”

Outside of volunteering, Chris and Dawn enjoy travelling, music, theatre, gardening and baking — with Dawn often bringing her love of baking into YBTC fundraising events and community activities.

Above all, the group is about helping people feel less alone and reminding people that there is no “right way” to grieve.

If you are considering attending for the first time, we understand that it can feel daunting. Please know that you would be very warmly welcomed. You are also very welcome to bring along a friend or family member for support if that would help you feel more comfortable.

We also appreciate that many people may feel nervous about attending a bereavement group for the first time. If helpful, we can arrange for you to have an informal chat with Chris and Dawn beforehand, so you know a little more about what to expect before coming along.