How do you go forward when grieving the loss of 3 loved ones? Judy from #Banstead was Caught in a RIPtide – she tells her story with honesty and humour covering 30,000 miles, 5 countries and lots of interesting stops along the way.
2023 was a devastating year for Judy Condie from Banstead. She lost her husband Richard after an 8 year battle with cancer, and just 3 months prior to that had lost her Mum and her constant companion her dog.
So how do you pick yourself up? Richard had been a very well known and liked member of Banstead Cricket Club and both Richard and Judy had worked at the Royal Alfred Seafarer’s Home. They had 3 children and grandchildren, so fortunately Judy had the support of friends and family. But anyone who has lost a loved one knows that the steps needed to get through the grief and to find a way forward with your life – can only be taken by you.
So what did Judy do – she went on an adventure – covering 30,000 miles, 5 countries (dropping in on friends and relatives along the way) and some of these were things she and Richard had hoped to do together but sadly that was never meant to be.
Yes there are moments of reflection, the grief, the survivor guilt, the impostor guilt (a not so young woman does not go back packing), the loneliness, but Judy’s book has so much more – it is an adventure by a ‘not so’ young woman facing a new world, a new future.
During Richard’s last years he had become an avid fundraiser for the people and places that had helped him, so a donation of £2 from each sale will be donated to
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Bowel Cancer UK
Judy also recently gave an interview to Radio Jackie you can hear it here:
Here are the links to get your copy of Judy’s book
Caught in a RIPtide: Amazon.co.uk: Condie, Judy: 9781399993302: Books
In Richard’s memory Judy will continue to support his fundraising efforts and if you wish to help her please visit this Just Giving page
Crowdfunding to continue Richards passion, fundraising for cancer charities on JustGiving
