This week, I’m joined by Nicola Guilfoyle, a 40-year-old mum of three from Clonmel who’s lived through more than most - addiction in the family, the loss of her mother, brother, and father, and her own struggles with grief, mental health, and struggling with her weight.

We talk about childhood trauma, losing her brother just weeks before giving birth, and saying goodbye to her dad - her best friend - after he died from sepsis.

Nicola shares what it’s like to raise a child with autism, lose nearly 13 stone, and train for two marathons - all while navigating deep loss. 

This episode is about bereavement, autism, addiction, weight loss, and finding your way through the darkest days.

This week’s sponsor is AutismCare — an Irish organisation offering neuroaffirming assessments and lifelong supports, co-designed with Autistic individuals. Their team is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and genuine inclusion. You can visit them at autismcare.ie.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: grief, addiction, autism  

01:15 – Brother’s addiction  

03:15 – Mum’s cancer diagnosis  

06:30 – Christmas family conflict  

09:25 – Brother’s death  

14:00 – Autism diagnosis journey  

19:30 – Dad’s sudden illness  

25:50 – Coping with loss  

30:10 – Marathon training  

32:00 – Weight loss + sobriety

Support

If you're struggling with grief, addiction, mental health, or family trauma, here are some trusted Irish support services you can contact:

- **Pieta House** – Support for suicide, self-harm, and bereavement  

 📞 1800 247 247 (24/7)  

 🌐 [www.pieta.ie](https://www.pieta.ie)

- **HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline** – Free, confidential advice and support  

 📞 1800 459 459  

 📧 [email protected]  

 🌐 [www.drugs.ie](https://www.drugs.ie)

- **Samaritans Ireland** – 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress  

 📞 116 123 (Free)  

 🌐 [www.samaritans.ie](https://www.samaritans.ie)

- **Aware** – Support for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder  

 📞 1800 80 48 48  

 🌐 [www.aware.ie](https://www.aware.ie)

- **Family Carers Ireland** – Support for people caring for loved ones  

 📞 1800 24 07 24  

 🌐 [www.familycarers.ie](https://www.familycarers.ie)

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is always available. ❤️

Connect

You can follow Nicola here: orangenic_life_fun_food

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

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