Jane Murray, Bereavement Service Lead at Marie Curie Solihull, says: “The Mural will enable us to open up conversations not only with children but people of all ages around death and ‘continuing bonds’ with the person who has died.”
Free copies of Thomas’s new book The Bear-Shaped Hole have been donated to the hospice alongside the mural, the book having already moved and supported countless families.
The Bear-Shaped Hole softly educates young children on terminal illness and death. The book features bear best friends Gerda and Orlo, who do everything together – but slowly, something starts to change. Orlo is ill – and he knows he isn't going to get better again. Devastated, Gerda experiences a range of emotions from disbelief to anger, but Orlo is there to help her prepare, and they spend their time together making memories that will last a lifetime. So, when the time comes, Gerda is able to fill the bear-shaped hole in her life with the special memories she has of Orlo.
The Bear-Shaped Hole is available now.
