Two bereavement charities have merged in a bid to widen their reach.
Winston’s Wish has merged into Child Bereavement UK. Both charities support bereaved children, young people, parents and families.
The charities said last year that the expectation was that CBUK would merge into Winston’s Wish, but nobody from the charity was able to confirm why the position had been reversed before publication of this article.
Child Bereavement UK recorded an income of £3.4m according to its latest accounts, for the year to the end of August 2024, while Winston’s Wish recorded an income of £2.7m for the year to the end of March 2025. The charities have 87 and 50 staff respectively, according to the Charity Commission.
Fergus Crow, chief executive of Winston’s Wish, will lead the charity. Ann Chalmers, the former chief executive of Child Bereavement UK, retired in 2024.
Crow said: “By bringing Winston’s Wish and Child Bereavement UK together, we are combining our strengths so we can reach more grieving families and help people find hope as they rebuild their lives.”
The charities said: “Too often, grief remains misunderstood, leaving individuals feeling isolated at the most difficult times in their lives.
“The merged charity aims to change this by not only expanding its services but also amplifying the voices of those it supports.
“Through advocacy and campaigning, Child Bereavement UK will work to build greater awareness and understanding of grief, ensuring that every bereaved child and parent receives the compassion and support they deserve.”
The charities previously said a new board would be formed from the existing trustees of both charities.
Alex Fitzgibbons (chair of Child Bereavement UK) and Liz Gratton (chair of Winston’s Wish) will co-chair the new board for the first 12 to 18 months, and Gratton will lead the board after this period.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has been Child Bereavement UK’s royal patron since 2009 and will retain his role.
“Grief is the very worst pain any child or parent will ever endure, and while we cannot prevent these losses, we can ensure that every possible type of expert support and care is given, to help rebuild the lives of those affected,” he said.
“Because of this increasing demand, I am delighted that Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are joining forces to expand their impact.
“They have recognised that together they can do so much more, and I commend them both for taking this bold step to reach more people and help to reduce the long-term challenges that unresolved grief can cause.”