Thursday November 5th 2026
Local mum Claire
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A mum living just outside Edinburgh is sharing the story of losing her 10-year-old son to help other families facing bereavement this Christmas.
Claire’s son Jamie died suddenly after contracting coronavirus, turning her world upside down and leaving her to navigate life without the little boy she described as funny, kind and known for his infectious laugh and loving hugs.
Four and a half years on, Claire is speaking about her experience and the support she received from Child Bereavement UK, hoping to give hope to other parents and young people dealing with the loss of someone they love.
Jamie tested positive for coronavirus on a Thursday and was kept off school the following day.
Although he woke up feeling well on Saturday and wanted to go out with friends, his condition deteriorated the following day when he began being sick and complaining of a headache.
Claire said: “By half past four, the ambulance had arrived. By half past five, we were in hospital. By twenty past eight, Jamie had passed away.”
The sudden loss left Claire facing a future she had never imagined.
She said returning home after Jamie’s death was particularly difficult, as she had to begin adjusting to life without her son.
Christmas has remained an especially emotional time for the family, with Claire recalling the happy memories they shared together.
Their last Christmas was marked by a special trip on the Polar Express, based on their favourite festive film.
Jamie was approaching an age when he might have stopped believing in Santa Claus, but Claire wanted to give him one more bit of Christmas magic.
She said: “I thought the trip might be an extra bit of Christmas magic for Jamie before he stopped believing in Santa. But he heard that bell ring, so he still believed. I’m just glad I managed to make these memories with him.”
Following Jamie’s death, Claire found herself struggling with countless questions and emotions and knew she needed help to navigate her grief.
She eventually found Child Bereavement UK, which supports children, young people, parents and families following the death of a baby or child, as well as children who are grieving.
Claire said the charity’s care and compassion had made a significant difference to her journey.
“The support that I got from Child Bereavement UK has helped me massively on my journey,” she said.
“The care, compassion and respect I received from my very first interaction with someone from the charity, right up to my last counselling session, will stay with me forever.
“It has helped me, guided me and given me hope for the future as I still navigate my way through life without Jamie.”
She said the charity also helped her find moments of happiness despite her loss.
“They were so supportive and helped me to try and find those pockets of joy whenever you can, and I have carried that with me every single day.
“Knowing that Child Bereavement UK is there, it makes me feel less alone. There’s lots of love and support out there if you need it.”
Four and a half years after Jamie’s death, Christmas continues to look different for Claire and her family.
She and her parents now choose to spend the festive period away from home, but have kept one special tradition alive in his memory.
Claire said: “Wherever we go, on Christmas Eve, we light sparklers to wish Jamie a Merry Christmas.”
She hopes sharing her experience will encourage others to seek support and help raise awareness of the charity’s work, particularly for families facing their first Christmas without a loved one.
Claire will also share her story at Child Bereavement UK’s annual carol concert in London this December, hosted by The Traitors star Claudia Winkleman.
The event will feature performances and appearances from a number of well-known names, including Dame Mary Berry, Patricia Hodge, Trinny Woodall and Nick Knowles.
The charity’s ‘Give the Gift of Hope’ campaign aims to highlight the experiences of children, young people and families across the UK coping with the loss of someone important to them.
Child Bereavement UK provides support to bereaved children and young people up to the age of 25, as well as parents and carers grieving the loss of a baby or child.
Claire said: “Child Bereavement UK gave me hope, and that can mean so many things to grieving children, young people and parents.”
More information about Claire’s story click here.
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