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Granville
was 43 when he so admired the determination of wheelchair competitors, he
decided to have a go himself. Since then he has completed 23 Marathons and
running has become the physical focus of his life. His son David was only just
17 when he dropped dead
in
a Road Race in which Granville was a Marker. “I cannot think of a worse thing
for a parent to confront. It was a nightmare. I still sometimes
can’t believe it. The world is a poorer place without him. He was a truly
wonderful lad.”
 Susan
and Granville joined CRY at Christmas 1996. “The aims and goals of CRY
inspired us. Not only to counsel and support parents who have suffered as we
have, something that was not offered to us, but also to provide more tangible
things such as screening. With the drive and commitment of the CRY Team I feel
they can only go from strength to strength to raise awareness of this
devastating condition that took our son away. If the screening programme had
been in place David may very well have still been with us today.”
By
September Granville and Susan, in combination with the Wickers family who lost
their son Neil, had succeeded in raising funds for an ECG machine for use in
their local community, and they hope if possible to visit David’s old school
first as their own personal tribute to his memory. “The grief and sadness do
not change. Our coping strategies just improve. Getting proactively involved
helps.”
In
a recent phone call Granville told me that with Susan he had just visited
David’s plaque of remembrance as it was his birthday. In a typically brave
response to the chasm of grief this always leaves they have now nominated this
to be the birthday of their young dog. “He has a cake instead. The difference
is that we don’t insist on sharing Sabre’s!” In the bare bones of
Granville’s humour lie the concealed depths of courage that has resourced this
steely Lancastrian whose greatest life challenge has been to cope with the death
of his cherished son. We are so proud to have him on board our CRY team
If you would like to contact one of
our Representatives or Bereavement Supporter please call the CRY office
at 01737 363222 or e-mail cry@c-r-y.org.uk
and we will put you in touch with someone who may be able to help
you.
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