Grantham woman urges families not to struggle alone with grief this Christmas
She’s highlighting free support available to anyone affected by terminal illness or bereavement
A Grantham woman is encouraging anyone affected by serious illness or bereavement to seek support this Christmas, saying the festive period can intensify feelings of grief and isolation.
Dr Anke Timmermann’s father was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2024.
With her parents living in Germany, she’s had to support her mother and wider family from hundreds of miles away.
Speaking to us, Anke said being physically distant while trying to “hold the whole family together” was particularly difficult at Christmas, when emotions can feel heightened.
She’s now highlighting the Marie Curie Support Line, which offers free emotional support and information to anyone affected by terminal illness or grief.
“The support line is open seven days a week, including throughout the festive season - and that’s really important,” she said. “It’s not something I would ever take for granted.”
Anke added that the service is entirely donor-funded and relies on public generosity to remain available.
“Any donation, as little or as much as people feel able to give, helps keep the support line open,” she said. “So that anyone at all - whether they’ve lost someone, or are about to - can call whenever they need to.”
The Marie Curie Support Line is available to people across Lincolnshire and beyond.