In this special 5th anniversary episode of Stolen Goodbyes, Karen speaks with five incredible guests—Emma, Jane, Kristie, Sioux, and Brielle—about their ongoing journeys with COVID-19 grief. Each guest shares the heartbreaking details of losing their loved ones to the pandemic, including the pain of not being able to say goodbye, the trauma of key dates, and the overwhelming challenges of grief. They discuss the unspoken struggles of living through a time when the world moved on, while their grief remained. From feelings of guilt, anger, and isolation to seeking counseling and navigating life’s triggers, this emotional episode uncovers the lasting impact of the pandemic on the lives of the bereaved. They reflect on the emotional scars of COVID-19, the lack of public recognition, and the toll the loss has taken on both them and their children. Through their stories, they show how resilience, love, and hope can emerge from even the darkest moments.

Guest Details:

Emma Charlesworth: Lost her husband, Stuart "Charlie" Charlesworth, aged 45, to COVID-19 in March 2020.

Jane Smith: Lost her husband, Goff, aged 53, to COVID-19 in April 2020.

Sioux Hill: Lost her father, John Leigh, aged 72, to COVID-19 in April 2020.

Brielle Adams: Lost her adoptive father, Leo Adams, aged 85, to COVID-19 in March 2020.

Kristie Cervantes: Lost her husband, Rey, aged 42, to COVID-19 in December 2020.

Listen to their episode on the award-winning Stolen Goodbyes podcast:

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Five years after launching Stolen Goodbyes, host Karen Rice reflects on the podcast’s journey in a special anniversary interview with her cousin Samantha. She shares the inspiration behind the series, the impact of giving a voice to the bereaved, and what she’s learned along the way. Plus, a look ahead to the next episode, where six past guests reveal what COVID grief is really like now—how it’s been forgotten by the world, yet remains deeply complex, raw, and unresolved. A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the lasting impact of pandemic loss.

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In this final episode of Love After Covid Loss, part of the Stolen Goodbyes podcast series, Emma Charlesworth returns to the show. Emma first opened the podcast in 2020, sharing her journey as a widow at just 39 after losing her husband, Charlie, to Covid-19. Charlie was only 45 when he passed.

In this poignant and articulate interview, Emma reflects on her journey, from those first anguished, shocking days when Charlie left in an ambulance with a cough and never came home to navigating life as a lone parent to their then bereaved 10-year-old daughter, who lost her hero dad. Emma shares how she has come to terms with a future she never chose as she steels herself for the upcoming five-year anniversary of the pandemic in March 2025.

She also speaks about finding joy again, welcoming a new member of the family—a Cavapoo dog named Oreo—who has brought a sparkle back into her daughter’s eyes. Incredibly strong and resilient, Emma cherishes Charlie’s memory while fundraising in his honor. She also acknowledges the importance of taking time for herself and honoring her own needs.

Emma reminds us that while grief never truly gets easy, it does become less hard over time. Her story is one of love, loss, and finding hope in the most challenging circumstances.

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In this emotional yet uplifting episode of Stolen Goodbyes, host Karen Rice speaks with Rebecca Reilly from New Jersey, who shares her remarkable journey of love, loss, and finding hope again after unimaginable tragedy.

Rebecca lost her “rough tough cream puff” husband Michael, a devoted father of two, to COVID-19, in December 2020. Just 47 years old, Michael fell ill and tragically passed away within 24 hours of showing symptoms. Rebecca opens up about the overwhelming grief of losing her best friend so suddenly and the crushing realisation that their shared future was gone.

She bravely discusses the PTSD that continues to haunt her—flashbacks of the frantic hospital dash to be by Michael’s side before he breathed his last, and the helplessness of not being able to save him.

Four months later, in one of her darkest moments, Rebecca made the choice to celebrate what would have been their wedding anniversary, a poignant decision that led to an unexpected encounter with her now-partner, Ryan.

In a candid conversation, Rebecca and Ryan talk about the ups and downs of their relationship and the challenges of navigating grief while opening up to new love. Despite the skeptics, they're still together, thanks to their ability to listen to one another and open communication.

Rebecca shares her joy: “I get to be in love with the two most amazing men in the world.” Ryan describes their bond as "my best relationship to date—I love raising her babies and looking after her.”

This episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit: how love can persist, evolve, and reappear in the most surprising ways, even after profound loss.

Tune in to hear Rebecca’s story of resilience, the complexities of love after loss, and the beauty of finding light in the darkest moments.

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In this tender and bittersweet episode of Stolen Goodbyes, Karen Rice speaks with Victoria Daniels, 25, from Hertfordshire, about her cherished memories of her late father, David, a jack the lad and an animal-loving man, who tragically died from COVID-19 on January 2, 2021, at the age of just 69.

Although her father suffered two strokes and dementia before the pandemic, Victoria’s words reveal the enduring bond between them. She recalls David’s protective and caring nature, likening him to his favourite animal, the elephant—known for their fierce loyalty and devotion to family.

Victoria shares the profound difficulties of caregiving, including her father’s loss of mobility and sight, and the anguish she felt knowing he was COVID-free until being hospitalised in the pandemic. She recounts the confusion and fear her dad experienced in the hospital and the unresolved pain of Watford General Hospital denying that he contracted COVID-19 in their care.

After years of anger and grief, Victoria has embraced new love and joy in her life. She is now engaged to her partner, Vincent, who shares heartwarming similarities with her father, such as his infectious laugh, strength, and love of cuddles. Victoria reflects on the bittersweet nature of finding love after loss—feeling her father’s absence in her life and at her upcoming wedding but honouring his memory with his favourite white roses.

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In this moving episode, Amanda Pape shares how her life was once "Technicolor" with laughter, love, and adventure, alongside her larger-than-life husband Bob. But after his sudden death from Covid, age 53, life became like a "12-inch black-and-white TV"—a stark, difficult existence. Through fostering two children, Amanda has brought color back into her world, rebuilding a new, joyful family.

Amanda also reflects on Bob's enduring philosophy: "Happiness is wanting what you get, not getting what you want." This wisdom has been her anchor through grief and rebuilding, and she finds comfort in knowing that, as Bob always said, "If I died tomorrow, I'd die a happy man."

This poignant episode is a tribute to Bob’s unforgettable spirit, and Amanda’s inspiring journey of finding joy and purpose again.

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In this heartfelt episode, we hear from Kristie Cervantes, a 45-year-old teacher from Illinois, USA, as she recounts her journey through unimaginable loss and the discovery of love again. Kristie lost her beloved husband, Rey, in December 2020 to COVID-19. Just 42 years old, Rey was a devoted father of two, a special education teacher, and a man with a heart as big as his infectious laugh. He brought joy to everyone around him and lived for the moments he shared with his family, from dad-and-mom dates to surprise trips like the one to Disneyland shortly before his passing.

Kristie describes how Rey’s death turned her world upside down. Walking around like a zombie for months, she struggled to face life without him. She shares her fears of bringing him to the hospital, knowing the grim reality for many, and the devastating moment when he told her over the phone that he was dying. Kristie reflects on the impossible task of telling her children their father wasn’t coming home.

As time passed, she found the strength to begin healing. Seven months later, she met Jorge, a man who shared her understanding of grief through his blog. Their connection, sparked by shared loss, blossomed into love. Kristie candidly discusses what it’s like to love two people, comparing it to the way a parent’s heart grows with the birth of a second child.

Through her journey, Kristie has embraced counselling, tackled grief head-on, and learned the value of “just being.” She reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope and healing are possible. Her belief in a “big, beautiful tomorrow” inspires others navigating loss and rebuilding their lives.

Tune in for Kristie’s poignant story of resilience, love, and the enduring power of hope.

Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.

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The second part of Lynda Wardley’s story on Stolen Goodbyes is an inspiring narrative of love and resilience. After the profound loss of her father, Robin, Lynda found an unexpected connection with Charles Persinger, a fellow campaigner she met through their shared work with COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK. Their relationship blossomed from a shared space of grief and activism, turning into a beautiful partnership built on mutual respect and understanding.

Lynda shares how she was initially drawn to Charles' bravery, resilience, and strength—qualities that shone through in the things he shared online. What began as conversations about their mutual losses and interests soon grew into deeper connections via phone calls, video chats, and eventually in-person meetings. Together, they overcame the fear of new beginnings to create what Lynda describes as a "truly joyful place" full of laughter and love.

Importantly, their love story includes honouring the memory of Charles' wife, Katie, who passed away from COVID-19. Lynda reflects on the profound truth that "I wouldn’t know Charles if it wasn’t for Katie," highlighting the importance of keeping their loved ones’ legacies alive.

Lynda's reflections on finding new growth after catastrophic loss offer hope to others navigating grief. She emphasises the importance of listening to that growth and allowing happiness to re-enter life, affirming that it is indeed possible to rebuild joy after unimaginable pain. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of connection.

This episode continues to spotlight the intertwined journeys of grief, love, and activism, inspiring listeners with its message of hope and transformation.

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In this touching two-parter, we meet Lynda Wardley, a compassionate woman with a powerful story of love, loss, and resilience. Lynda, 59, opens up about her vibrant father, Robin, whom she lost to Covid in January 2021. In this first episode, she paints a vivid portrait of Robin, a meticulous maker and car enthusiast whose life was full of colour, intelligence, and energy.

Lynda’s childhood memories brim with moments by her dad’s side—perched on the hood of a car he was repairing, or packing a camping rucksack with precision, thanks to his RAF training. When Robin retired to France, he embraced life to the fullest, enjoying the thrill of fancy cars and French romances. However, Lynda also shares the difficult period when Robin's health declined due to dementia, leading to struggles with the French healthcare system and a painful journey to bring him back to the UK, where he thrived once again under familiar care.

The onset of the pandemic then brought new heartbreak. Robin, residing in a care home, was isolated from loved ones. Lynda fought tirelessly as part of the Rights for Residents campaign, advocating for patient-family connection and was ultimately able to be by her father's side in his final moments. She later found solace and solidarity in the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group, where she connected with Charles Persinger, a fellow member who would become her partner, bonded through shared loss and compassion.

Join us for an intimate journey with Lynda as she honours her father’s legacy, while next week’s episode reveals how her connection with Charles blossomed into something truly beautiful amidst grief.

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🕊️ In a world eager to move on, Stolen Goodbyes chooses to remember.

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In this moving episode, we sit down with Charles Persinger, 59, from Swindon, who shares his powerful journey through loss, resilience, and rediscovery of love. Charles opens up about the unimaginable heartbreak of losing his mother, Susan (74), and his wife, Katie (51), both to Covid, within just six weeks of each other. He describes the depths of grief he faced, losing the two most important women in his life, and how he eventually made a choice that changed everything: to choose love over fear.

Through the Covid 19 Bereaved Families for Justice group, Charles found a community where he could channel his anger and determination for accountability and healing. It was here he met Lynda, who had also suffered a devastating loss—her father to Covid. Their shared experiences and mutual support blossomed into a new relationship, giving them both a chance at love and companionship amidst the tragedy.

Charles reflects on his journey from profound loss to love, saying that “the human capacity to love is endless, no matter what we’ve been through.” By joining forces with others who shared his grief, he not only found support but also helped lay the groundwork for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, a significant step toward justice and remembrance for those lost.

His message to listeners is one of courage and hope: “Don't underestimate your capacity to love. Be brave.” Charles’s story reminds us that even in the darkest times, we can find strength, purpose, and the possibility of new beginnings.

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🕊️ In a world eager to move on, Stolen Goodbyes chooses to remember.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.