How Harry Found His Way Through Grief After Losing Nicholas
Harry speaks about the sudden and devastating loss of his beloved son, Nicholas, who went to sleep and never woke up. He recounts the moment everything changed. Dealing with the ambulance, the police, and the overwhelming shock that descended over his entire family, including Nicholas’s siblings. In the early days, Harry found himself in “work mode”. Navigating practicalities like the autopsy and planning the funeral, while still trying to come to terms with what had happened.
It wasn’t until after the funeral that the reality truly set in. The grief hit hard.
Harry shares how he withdrew from people and spent a lot of time by the beach—thinking, grieving, searching for comfort in solitude. He found small moments of peace in doing the things Nicholas loved most, especially playing sport. These rituals became a way for Harry to feel close to his son and keep his memory alive.
Losing Nicholas changed Harry’s life completely. His priorities shifted. Time with family became more important than anything else. Even returning to work, especially in his role supporting children had brought its own challenges. For about 18 months, Harry stepped back and worked in a different capacity, giving himself space to grieve.
Red Nose is committed to supporting families navigating the complexities of the loss of a baby or child. To access our specialised bereavement support including: counselling, peer support programs, support groups, and resources tailored to individual needs, click here.
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