Losing Benj
The death of a child could be considered the most painful loss of all.
In this episode, we hear the deeply personal and emotional story of Jo and Anthony Millard’s son Benj, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in August 2018, aged 33. He died less than eight months later.
As Benj fought his battle with courage. With a stage 4 terminal diagnosis, he found his way into his local hospice; a sanctuary where he was showered with love, kindness, honesty and compassionate care during his final days.
As Jo and Anthony open up about the painful journey they went through, we witness the heartbreaking emotions they felt as they watched their precious son's life slip away.
They share with us the memories of Benj, his radiant passion for life, the impact he had on everyone around him and the legacy that they have created for him by founding The Bowel Movement charity.
They also bravely open up about the immense difficulties they faced in dealing with their devastating loss, social impacts and how they turned to the support of their local community and bereavement groups to find some solace.
This emotional and moving conversation is a heartrending tribute to Benj's life and legacy, a loving testimony of the enduring bond between parents and child, and a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that a terminal illness can have on individuals and families.
Above all, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of talking about death, grief, and loss, and the healing power of sharing our stories with others.
Jo and Anthony and their daughters have set up a charity in Benj’s memory. The Bowel Movement wants every individual faced with bowel cancer to have the best possible chance of survival, and they aim to achieve this by increasing knowledge and awareness and empowering young individuals to seek medical advice as early as possible. With 1 in 4 facing poverty at the point of being diagnosed with a terminal illness, they also offer hardship funds to anyone in need.
