In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, opera singer Camilla Kerslake sits down with bereavement expert Jason Davidson.
This month, Jason is joined by Brit-nominated singer, opera performer and charity founder Camilla Kerslake. She's performed on some of the world's largest stages and sung live for royals and world leaders. Camilla is currently singing with the English National Opera. In this episode, she talks to Jason about the impact the death of her beloved grandfather, Billy, had on her at the age of eight, and also describes being hit by a devastating series of close bereavements during 2020 and 2021.
Saying goodbye
"I actually did an impromptu speech at my grandpa's funeral. It was very strange. I mean, obviously there were the planned ones, but the funeral director put it to the floor and was like, 'Would anyone like to say anything?' I don't know why, but I was just like, 'I would,' and I remember exactly what I said, and I'm going to tear up again. I said, 'He was my Papa and I really, really loved him,' and of course that set everyone off."
Making memorials
"My grandma and my uncle didn't have funerals and I almost feel like there's not been a full stop for them. There wasn't a moment to pin your grief to, a day that you celebrated their lives, and I personally found that hard. We're honouring what they wanted, but I think, for me, I'd want my relatives to have a day, a place, something, like a tree they could just go and sit under. I've felt a bit lost at sea, a bit unmoored, not having those things."
"My mum's father has a bench. We sit there and look out at the ocean. It's stunning. I don't have that for [my grandma and uncle] and that's very difficult."
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Camilla's chat with Jason. Alternatively, listen to or download it via Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd prefer, you can read a full transcript of the episode.
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Content note: discussion of death and grief with reference to themes/topics that might be triggering or upsetting.
If you need support with bereavement or grief, call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/information.
