My name is Marie and I have lived in Barrow for over 30 years with my husband and three children. My mother-in-law ran the hairdresser’s ‘Mary Elizabeth’s’ for over 40 years in the village. Many will remember going there and often being in there for hours having their hair done and chatting! I worked there for a while when I was younger, leaving to do counselling training.

I have always loved working with people and after completing my counselling training I worked helping people who had suffered brain injury to complete a rehabilitation program.

I went on to have a career for over 20 years working with young, vulnerable homeless people; people living in hostels and supported housing. I carried out assessments, supported them and helped them to eventually move into their own accommodation. It always felt more than just a job, working with people and supporting them, so that they could then live the fulfilling lives they all deserved.

Just over a year ago I started writing my book, something I had always wanted to do. Having myself experienced many grieving journeys throughout my life, losing family and friends, I have written a hand-hold guide to support, heal and live while grieving, titled The Infinity of Grief.

I want the book to offer hope, love and the feel of a hug to anyone on their own personal journey of grief and not to feel alone while grieving. I have shared some of my personal experiences when losing a loved one, and also in the book there are stories of what grief means to others. With my trained counselling skills and years of experience working with many people, the book gives hope, care and encouragement to live alongside, before, during and after bereavement.

The reviews have been overwhelming and it’s very special to feel as though you have helped someone who is grieving, knowing it is one of the hardest things to go through, losing someone we love.

The book, The Infinity of Grief will be published and available to purchase on Amazon, as a paperback and eBook from Sunday 8th September 2024. You can also follow on Instagram the_infinity_of_grief

Marie Brown