In this episode we talk with Nikella Holmes, Nikella was just 15 when she 
was a victim of sexual abuse from fire chief  ‘Gary Thompson’ in 2006. 

Nikella who is now 33, was assaulted by one time church youth leader Gary and was groomed for more than a year! 

Nikella talks about how the abuse started through playful but soon became flirty and sexual messages.

Nikella Holmes has chosen to  waive her right to anonymity to  share her story about the crimes committed by Gary Thompson, who was sentenced to eight 
months in jail after pleading guilty to two counts of indecent assault.

Please note: The content of this episode may be graphic and sensitive to some viewers.

For more information and resources on supporting survivors of domestic abuse in the UK, please visit:

Women's Aid: A leading organization working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Helpline: 0808 2000 247

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Refuge: Providing support and information for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help you or someone you know navigate through difficult situations.

Sheree Black was just 18 when her 14-week-old son, Cameron, was brutally murdered by his father, Ryan Leslie, in 2008. Now, as Leslie approaches parole eligibility after serving a minimum 17-year sentence, Sheree is reliving the trauma of her loss while fighting to ensure her son’s killer remains behind bars.

In this deeply personal podcast, Sheree shares her emotional journey, from confronting the judicial process to navigating the ongoing pain of losing her child. She reflects on the importance of victim impact statements, the lack of remorse from her son’s killer, and her hope to create a supportive community for mothers who have experienced similar tragedies.

This is a raw and heartbreaking story of grief, resilience, and a mother’s unwavering love.

Sheree's Petition: https://www.change.org/p/deny-parole-for-ryan-leslie-convicted-of-murdering-his-baby-son-cameron?recruiter=852308498&recruited_by_id=917a7930-021d-11e8-944f-5bd5a6ec4463&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=copylink

Helpful Links:

Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse offers free support, advice, and information to anyone dealing with bereavement.
Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/

The Good Grief Trust
Provides practical help, advice, and support for anyone grieving, while connecting individuals to local and national services.
Website: https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/

Samaritans
A 24/7 helpline providing emotional support for anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

Child Bereavement UK
Offers resources and support for families facing the loss of a child or supporting children through bereavement.
Website: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

At a Loss
A signposting service that connects people to tailored bereavement support across the UK.
Website: https://www.ataloss.org/

Edwina Thompson Clarke’s son was tragically k*lled on the M1 during a night out with friends, her world was shattered. Now, she faces the painful and costly fight to uncover the truth and seek justice.

In this emotional and eye-opening podcast, Edwina shares her journey of grief, resilience, and determination. Through heartfelt storytelling and interviews, she exposes systemic challenges and the lengths a mother will go to for answers.

Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses themes of loss and violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse offers free and confidential support to those grieving, through local branches, online resources, and helplines.
https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Bereavement Advice Centre
This service provides practical advice on what to do after a death, including guidance on legal and financial matters.
https://www.bereavementadvice.org/

Mind (Bereavement Support)
Mind offers mental health support and resources to cope with grief, along with links to local support networks.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement/

In this episode Imedla O'Brien opens up about her journey through unimaginable tragedy and survival. After a recent fall from her 11th-story Bondi apartment, she reflects on the heartbreak of losing her teenage sister Lynsey in a cruise ship accident and the devastating impact it had on her family, including her father’s later suicide. A story of resilience, grief, and finding strength in the darkest moments.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of a young Galway mother who overcame unimaginable challenges. After battling Stage 4 endometriosis and being misdiagnosed with PoTS syndrome, she found herself bedbound and facing an uncertain future.

Through determination and the support of CRY Ireland, a charity dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac deaths and supporting affected families, she defied the odds. Now, she has walked a world-famous trail, raising thousands for CRY Ireland, the organization that played a vital role in her journey to recovery.

Her story is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the power of connection. Don't miss this emotional and uplifting episode!

🔗 Learn more about CRY Ireland and how you can support: www.cry.ie

In this episode we are joined with Glen Smith where he tells his tale of paramilitary attacks, daring robberies, courtroom dramas and multiple prison escapes; Glen Smith takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as he dodges the IRA punishment squads and cops on both sides of the border.

A tale of tragedy, domestic violence, addiction and recovery, all this, laced with humour, love and laughter. Glen's is a story you will never forget...

In this episode we delve into the heartbreaking story of Kelly, a young woman found dead in a canal under suspicious circumstances. Although her death was initially ruled a suicide, her mother, Julie Anne, is here to shed light on the unanswered questions and conflicting evidence that suggest otherwise. Julie Anne shares her journey, not only to seek justice for Kelly but to offer hope and guidance to other families facing similar tragedies. This episode is dedicated to Kelly.

Helpful Links:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Resources for mental health support and advocacy.
Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) – Support organization for families dealing with loss from violent crime.
National Center for Victims of Crime – Assistance and resources for crime victims seeking justice.
Tune in to hear Julie Anne’s powerful message and to join us in seeking justice, spreading awareness, and standing strong for those we’ve lost.

In this latest episode with Reginald Clark, he talks about how he journeyed from America to Saudi Arabia and then to Ireland, sharing his incredible life story. Reginald opens up about the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way, offering unique insights into the cultural shifts, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences that defined his path. Reginald’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding spirit. Tune in to hear about his transformative adventures, the people who influenced his journey, and the lessons he's learned about embracing change and finding one's true calling. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of exploring the world beyond our comfort zones.

In this emotional episode, Dermot O'Kelly shares his son’s battle with autoimmune encephalitis, where the immune system attacks the brain. His son suffered severe seizures, dislocated shoulders, a fractured spine, and spent two months in the hospital, including 16 days in the ICU. The family faced saying goodbye as he was resuscitated.

His son experienced psychosis, violent outbursts, catatonia, and absence seizures. He lost the ability to read, write, and speak and had to be spoon-fed. Despite undergoing multiple treatments and facing complications like osteoporosis and a compressed spine, he is now home and making progress, though still struggling with memory issues and fatigue. His immune system is suppressed for two years to prevent further attacks. Eoin's story is one of resilience and hope amid great adversity.

In this powerful and emotional episode, we are joined by Chantelle Nicholls. Chantelle bravely shares her harrowing journey through the emotional and physical abuse inflicted by her ex-partner. Her story reaches a critical turning point during a trip abroad, a holiday she had hoped would be a much-needed respite.

 Please note: The content of this episode may be graphic and sensitive to some viewers. For more information and resources on supporting survivors of domestic abuse in the UK, please visit: Women's Aid: A leading organization working to end domestic abuse against women and children. Helpline: 0808 2000 247 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Refuge: Providing support and information for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to help you or someone you know navigate through difficult situations.