Search
Person sitting on a bench silhouetted against a sunset over the ocean.
Person sitting on a bench silhouetted against a sunset over the ocean.

Patient Stories

Donna’s Story

“A safe environment to share your grief”

Donna Barnes shares her personal experiences of coming to our Tears to Laughter peer support group for people who’ve been bereaved.

“I have found so much support from the Tears to Laughter group since my loss. The pain is the same whether you’ve spent 60 years with your special person or just 10 years.

Bereavement support after the death of a loved one

A safe space to share how you feel after a bereavement

The group is a safe space to share how you truly feel after a bereavement without fear of upsetting family members or friends.

There are times when seeing other people out and about enjoying the company of their ‘special person’ makes you feel lonely, jealous and very sad. But you can share these feelings with the other group members.

No one judges you

No one judges you for getting upset and crying. Everyone has been in the same position and supports you.

Even when there is no group, members are still available to offer you support via WhatsApp and often someone will offer to meet up with you for a chat.

How we can help you after the death of a loved one

As the group name suggests there is also ‘laughter’ in the group, it is not all sadness and tears. Sharing funny incidents and happy times with our loved ones are also important.”


Peer Support and Understanding

Tears to Laughter is where you can meet other people who understand what you are experiencing. A member of our team is on hand for support as needed.

Enquire about joining our peer support group

Share article

Related News

Two men and one woman stood in a music studio, with headphones on and smiling at the camera.

18 December 2025

80s band rivals reunite to release charity Christmas single

Read More
Four smiling people stood in front of a sign that reads 'Treetops Hospice'. The sign has a bike in front of it with a sign on it that reads 'donate your old bikes to Treetops'.

15 December 2025

100 nights of hospice care funded by one supporter’s generosity

Read More

9 December 2025

Bookings now open for Christmas tree recycling

Read More
View All

More Patient Stories

two people sitting on a white outdoor sofa both wearing sunglasses and smiling at the camera

14 September 2023

Daniel’s Story

Read More
Group photo of family smiling with mum, dad and daughter

31 January 2023

Donna & Anja’s Story

Read More
Person sitting on a bench silhouetted against a sunset over the ocean.

22 September 2022

Donna’s Story

Read More
Treetops Hospice Logo
Treetops Hospice Trust, Derby Road, Risley, Derbyshire, DE72 3SS

T: 0115 949 1264
E: info@treetopshospice.org.uk

Follow Treetops

Sign up to our Newsletter



© Treetops Hospice Trust 2025. Registered charity No. 519540