The loss of a partner is one of the most stressful and difficult events to happen to a person at any age, but when that loss occurs at an early age, there are many additional challenges.

A Different Journey is charity Care for the Family’s special network for those who have lost a partner early in life. A day event is to be held in Coventry on 13 March for people in this situation.

“When people lose a partner, they also lose their hopes and dreams for the future,” explains Bob Jones, project manager for A Different Journey.

“They may have had an idea of how their lives together would have unfolded. But then, suddenly, they find themselves alone and on a very different journey to the one they had imagined," said Mr Jones.

He has personal experience of the difficulties faced by those who have lost a partner at an early age, following his first wife’s death. He is now married to Joy, who lost her first husband at an early age.

Mrs Jones said: “Working with other bereaved adults has made me realise how important it is to know you are not alone and that others have been through a similar experience, felt the same emotions and dealt with the same problem."

On the web: www.careforthefamily.org.uk/adjday