In this episode, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Charlotte Cannell about losing her fiancé Craig to a brain aneurysm when she was just 27 years old.

Their conversation explores the devastating impact of sudden loss on a young woman who had been with her partner since she was 16, and how she rebuilt her life through travel, family support, and finding new purpose.

Charlotte shares the harrowing twelve days she spent by Craig's bedside in intensive care after he collapsed during a council meeting in November 2020. Despite initial hope when he regained consciousness and recognised her, complications including sepsis ultimately led to his death.

The discussion delves into the unique challenges facing young widows, particularly those without children. Charlotte candidly explores grieving not just Craig, but the future they had planned together - their wedding booked for July 2023, the children they hoped to have, and the life they were building in Essex. Her decision to legally take Craig's surname through deed poll, despite never marrying, demonstrates the depth of their bond and her determination to honour their relationship.

In this episode, Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Adriana De Jesus, a young widow from New York state who lost her husband Jason to a fatal asthma attack when their son was just 14 months old. This powerful conversation explores the devastating reality of sudden widowhood, the challenges of single parenting after loss, and the unexpected journey of finding meaning through grief.

Adriana shares her love story with Jason, beginning at a soundstage studio in 2018 where their 15-year age gap didn't prevent an instant connection. Their relationship accelerated during the 2020 lockdown, leading to parenthood and what seemed like a bright future together. However, in June 2023, Jason's routine seasonal asthma took a fatal turn, possibly exacerbated by poor air quality from Canadian wildfires. Despite having managed his condition his entire life, Jason died from an asthma attack at home, leaving Adriana to navigate sudden widowhood at just 28 years old.

The conversation delves into the immediate aftermath of loss, including the trauma of performing CPR, arriving at the hospital with her infant son, and learning her partner hadn't survived. Adriana candidly discusses the guilt she felt about finally getting sleep after months of exhaustion with a newborn, only to lose Jason just as life was settling into a rhythm. She reveals the financial and legal complications of being engaged but not married in New York state, where common law marriages aren't recognised, creating additional stress during an already overwhelming time.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Adriana's honest exploration of grief's complexities. She discusses discovering both her and Jason likely had undiagnosed ADHD, which affected their relationship dynamics and her postpartum experience. The episode also touches on her unique healing journey, including her decision to train as a medium after a transformative reading that helped her process Jason's death. This unexpected path has allowed her to support other grieving individuals while maintaining her connection to Jason.

For parents concerned about asthma, Adriana offers perspective on managing fear after loss. When her son Parker was diagnosed with asthma, she drew strength from Jason's attitude about not letting the condition limit his life. She emphasises the importance of proper diagnosis, medication management, and understanding environmental triggers like air quality alerts. Her approach to explaining death to her toddler, teaching him that "Daddy is in our hearts," provides a touching example of age-appropriate grief conversations.

Adriana De Jesus works in the film industry while raising her son Parker in upstate New York. Following Jason's death, she trained as an evidential medium, offering readings professionally alongside her day job. Her story demonstrates how young widows navigate practical challenges like childcare, work-life balance, and financial planning while processing profound grief. She credits finding the Widowed AF podcast with helping her feel less alone in her journey, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in healing from loss.

In this episode, Rosie speaks to Cathy Brokenshire, widow of prominent politician, James Brokenshire , who died from lung cancer.

As you listen to Cathy’s story, you’ll discover how she turned a personal tragedy into a powerful mission to raise awareness about lung cancer, particularly for those who, like James, may not fit the typical profile.

This conversation is not just about loss, it’s about love, resilience, community, and the shared experiences that connect us all.

Cathy also maintains a tribute page in memory of James, where friends, family, and supporters can share messages and memories: jamesbrokenshire.muchloved.com.