Mary Berry's devastating plea to fans after son's devastating death in accident 35 years ago
Mary Berry's devastating plea to fans after son's devastating death in accident 35 years ago
Share:
Former Bake Off judge Mary Berry has urged her fans to check on bereaved loved ones this Christmas, after experiencing the devastating loss of her teenage son. TV chef Mary, 89, had the most heartbreaking knock on the door in 1989, with police going on to tell her that her son William had been killed in a tragic car accident. She shared William, and her two older children, Annabel and Thomas, with long-term partner Paul Hunnings.
William was just 19 when he was home visiting while studying at Bristol University. He was back for the weekend, and had borrowed his dad Paul's car, taking sister Annabel out for a drive with him. But tragedy struck, when he misjudged a corner and the vehicle crashed, costing him his life. Thankfully, his sister was left with no physical injuries, but was left reeling after witnessing the death of her brother.
In an interview with the Mail, Mary has reiterated the importance of checking in on those who have lost someone, especially over the festive season. She said: "I think I learned when we lost William how important it is to communicate or to talk with people who have lost one of their great family (members) or a friend. And not to walk down the street and cross to the other side of the road, but to go and just say something and try and remember something, a situation that you remember - how skilful they were, and what they won here - to get them to talk.".
Speaking about how she helps those in her life who have lost someone, she said if she can't make it to the funeral, she cares for them in other ways. Mary added: "It's much more important three weeks afterwards to pop round with - maybe they don't like cooking - with something, and to keep communication with those who become very lonely.".
