I was devastated when my wife and dog died, but you helped me rebuild my life

DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN my wife died after years of ill health, I was devastated.

Then my beloved dog, who had been my companion for 15 years, also died and I went to pieces.

At the age of 58, I couldn’t see a way forward.

My house was silent and lonely. Plus I had nobody to talk to as my wife’s alcoholism had driven our friends away years before.

I wrote to you, Deidre, to see if anybody cared, hoping for guidance.

You sent me your bereavement support pack and advised me to contact Sue Ryder (sueryder.org/support) where I could chat with other grieving people on forums.

On your advice, I reached out to my sister, and she has been lovely and supportive, inviting me around for meals.

A year on, I am slowly healing. I have gone back to work and I am sleeping and eating better.

I’ve also started volunteering at a local Scout troop – something I used to be involved with as a youth.

Thank you so much for your kind assistance on my road to recovery.

DEIDRE SAYS: Loneliness after a bereavement can be overwhelming.

Volunteering is a great way to do good and socialise at the same time.

You’ve made so much progress since you wrote, which is wonderful.