Remembering Freya
“Freya was beautiful, both inside and out. She was funny, kind, and very protective of others. She was my best friend – I had her when I was nineteen, so we grew up together.
Freya was diagnosed with asthma at the age of four, though it was never severe. She would get the occasional chest infection, but nothing more. Freya’s condition worsened as she grew older. On 1st December 2023, she had a sudden and severe asthma attack that seemed to come out of nowhere. I called an ambulance, but within ten minutes, she had died.
I have been receiving support from Momentum’s bereavement service, Echoes, for a while now, and I am so grateful for their help and for the connections I’ve made with other parents who have also lost a child.
Last December, I stayed at Momentum’s respite cabin at Shorefield Park in the New Forest. It was the weekend that marked the first anniversary of Freya’s death, and I knew I didn’t want to be at home. I needed a break to try and look after my mental health and it really helped me to go somewhere different, particularly at this time. It felt good to be away, to have a bit of escapism and a chance to decompress. I also went back in June, on what would have been Freya’s 16th birthday weekend.
It was reassuring to know the cabin wasn’t too far away from home and I could drive home easily if I needed to. Other members of the family came down for the day on Freya’s anniversary which was nice, and it helped to all be together.
The cabin at Shorefield Park was so lovely and clean, spacious but cosy and it was right by the sea which instantly made me think of Freya as she loved the beach and being in the water. Being close to water means a lot to me when I remember Freya, especially on significant anniversaries. On the day of her anniversary, and on her birthday, we bought flowers from a lovely little market in Lymington. We made wreaths and put these in the sea and in the stream near the cabin.
The cabin is surrounded by trees – it is very peaceful and both times I have been it has been very quiet which was what I needed. Having a change of scenery was a healthy distraction and a break from the normal routine helped me to recharge. I find the build-up to Freya’s anniversary and birthday often worse than the actual day itself and it helped to know I had lots of options to get me through it including walks, visiting the little stream, sitting on the beach, or going for a drive, just to name a few.
While we were in the New Forest, we did all the things Freya loved – as well as time on the beach, we enjoyed walks in the forest and taking pictures at sunset.
I have recommended the respite breaks to a couple of other families who are receiving support from Momentum. It is there and available, and everything is extremely easy so you can be in the moment when you are there.
I am taking a break from work for which I feel grateful. It has allowed me the head space I need to grieve and process what has happened. Having more spare time has also meant I can attend more Echoes events and talk to more parents going through similar losses. Since Freya died my love of being outside has really grown – I find comfort and healing in nature, and it helps me at my most difficult times. I am looking forward to new experiences and am planning on going travelling with my sister.”
A heartfelt thank you to the Hampton Fund for their generous grant to help provide emotional support to families in the Hampton area who have children with serious illnesses, as well as those who have sadly experienced bereavement.
Our respite breaks are free of charge (aside from voluntary donations) and are there to help support the emotional and mental wellbeing of you and your family. Find out more here
Story taken October 2025.