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Coventry mum wants to help others deal with grief

Josh Sandiford
BBC News, West Midlands
Vic Minett
BBC CWR
Kelly Simms says friends have helped to keep her son Breon's memory alive

"He wanted to go everywhere he possibly could and people have made that happen."

Kelly Simms said people have sought to honour her son Breon, 18, in remarkable ways after he passed away following an accident in 2017.

She said her son did not get to fulfil his dream of travelling the world, so friends, relatives and even strangers have taken pictures of him across the globe.

Ms Simms said this has kept his memory alive but also helped her cope and now she wants to support others who are dealing with grief.

"For some reason people have opened up their heart for Breon," she said.

"It resonates with them, I think it's his smile to be honest.

"As a mum who has lost a child, that's the most heartwarming thing anyone can do."

Family Breon pictured at The Golden Gate Bridge in California. We see a hand holding an iPhone with a picture of him. The landmark is in the background. It is a gloomy day and there are people walking up and down but they are blurry.Family
Breon Simms pictured at The Golden Gate Bridge in California

The last eight years have also seen Ms Simm's son remembered by celebrities including his favourite rapper Stormzy.

An annual football match is played by friends in his honour and he has become the face of JD sports in Coventry.

Family Breon's mother Kelly Simms with family and friends after a charity skydive in memory of her son. She is in the middle. Everyone has sky-dive gear on and t-shirts baring Breon's face. It is a bright and sunny day. They are standing on a patch of grass. Family
Kelly Simms with family and friends after a charity skydive in memory of her son

Kelly said the kindness of those both in her community and further afield was driving her to help others and she now wants to gift other grieving families with "care packages" every month.

She said the packages were filled with items that have helped her through such a difficult time, including a journal for parents to write down their thoughts and feelings.

"It's basically things I was given along my journey that I feel helped me," she said.

Family Breon pictured in Downtown Las Vegas. We see a hand holding an iPhone with a picture of him. The landmark is in the background. It is a dark evening and the sign is bright. Family
Ms Simms says the kindness of her community has given her strength

Ms Simms, who has also honoured her son's memory with a charity skydive, is currently sending out two packages a month but wants this to increase.

"I would love to be able to send that out on a bigger scale," she added.

"I feel like I haven't healed but I've been given this strength for a reason.

"I need to help other people."

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