Our Story

We lost our amazing dad in April, and our lives changed forever. Before this loss, we believed grief was something that would gradually ease with time and then slowly disappear. Now, our lives will never be the same. Grief has now become an integral part of us and it will be with us until it’s our time to go. That can be quite a difficult reality to accept. 

Our dad wasn’t perfect, but he certainly came close. He was the kindest person we’ve known, and the person that we all turned to when things felt difficult. His kindness extended far beyond our immediate family, he helped friends, nieces, nephews, colleagues and strangers. He truly touched the lives of so many people.

Inspired by the person he was, we hope that An Empty Chair will provide us with a platform to help others. If we help even one person through their own struggles, we will have achieved what we set out to do.

Our dad loved a comfy armchair. Whether it was his recliner in the living room or his old and battered red armchair in his motorbike garage. After dad passed away, chairs that were once filled with so much love were now crowded with anger, fear, hopelessness, and a sadness like no other. It was so heartbreaking. Those empty chairs became a symbol of negativity for many weeks. But amidst all the heartache and sadness, love had been there the whole time, quietly waiting to be noticed.

You never move on after loss, but you must move with it. Grief is with us because love came first. An empty chair will always represent love.

Hope & Katie