My Story
A quick voice message to introduce myself.
When life changes
In March 2024, I lost my wife and partner of 20 years, Claire, to a rare form of cancer. At the time, our children were just 10 and 13 years old. Overnight, life changed completely. I was suddenly facing grief, parenthood and an uncertain future without knowing where to begin or who to turn to.
The consistency and strength Claire brought to our family, who we lovingly called our “Commandeering Chief”, was gone. The corporate world I had known for 15 years as a director, travelling and managing businesses, had to change so I could be present for my children as we navigated an incredibly difficult time together.
Her loss also resurfaced grief I had never fully processed: losing my mum to lung cancer in 1998, one of my closest friends in 1999 and my grandfather in 2000. Feelings I had buried for years suddenly came back to the surface, and I needed to address them before I could begin working on myself.
Realising I couldn't do it alone
I attended group support sessions but often left feeling disconnected. What I truly needed was someone who could help me move forward, someone who could guide me through the overthinking, guilt, exhaustion and emotional weight that grief brings.
Working one-to-one with a grief counsellor gave me clarity for the first time in a long while. One piece of advice has stayed with me ever since:
“That stick you keep hanging on the front door, it’s time to take it down and stop beating yourself up with it. You’re doing an amazing job, and your wife would be very proud.”
“That stick you keep hanging on the front door, it’s time to take it down and stop beating yourself up with it. You’re doing an amazing job, and your wife would be very proud.”
That became my "Lightpath" moment.
Helping others find their way forward
I realised I wanted to use my own experience, professional background and coaching training to support others who may feel lost, overwhelmed or alone in their grief. Claire and I had time to talk openly before she passed; many people never get that opportunity or simply do not have anyone to turn to afterwards.
Through LightPath Coaching, I help people rebuild confidence, structure, purpose and direction after loss or a major life change. There is a brighter future ahead. It will not be easy and it will require work, but there is a way forward.
I continue to work with my own coach because I believe we all benefit from guidance, accountability and support. We look after our physical health, our homes, our families and our careers, but the mind needs care and attention too.
