Express & Star

Widow battles Icelandic challenge for Wolverhampton's bereaved families

A WIDOW braved the frosty blast of Iceland to raise hundreds for bereaved families struggling to cope with their grief.

Published
Penny Ladd, centre, pictured with L-R: Julie Young, Laine Rose, Mildred Weir and Sylvia McCarty as she hands over money to Wolverhampton and Dudley Cruse Bereavement Care. Pic: John Sambrooks

Penny Ladd journeyed to Reykjavik to battle a half-marathon to gather funds for support service Cruse Bereavement Care.

The Dudley resident said she was thankful for the support of her friends, family and colleagues, who helped raised £841 for the Wolverhampton and Dudley branch of the charity.

She added: "Iceland is a beautiful country and it was an amazing experience to run along with thousands of others, in memory of my lovely Howard, knowing I was going to make a difference."

Mrs Ladd's Icelandic challenge on August 19 came three-and-a-half years after she lost husband Howard and began the healing process with bereavement counselling.

She soon realised the benefits of exercise and joined Dudley Ladies Running Club, training hard before combining a much-needed break with friends with her charitable challenge.

Cruse provides support, advice and counselling to bereaved children and adults, empowering them as they come to terms with their tragic loss.

The free service, which is run for the city's residents from its Queen Street branch, is provided by a troupe of volunteers relying solely on donations.