BBC Breakfast guest says it's 'terrifying' as he opens up on heartbreaking loss
A bereaved father expressed the terror he felt when his son was placed in hospice care during an emotional segment on BBC Breakfast.
In a poignant appearance on BBC Breakfast, Paul Woodward discussed the harrowing experience of losing his son, Kalel, who died at the age of 11 in 2019 from an undiagnosed condition. Woodward described the startling moment when he was informed that his child would need hospice care, expressing how overwhelming the situation was for him as thoughts raced through his mind about what lay ahead. Kalel struggled with various symptoms, including bone fractures, seizures, and frequent chest infections, which he battled from a young age, making the family's journey especially difficult.
Woodward, reflecting on his experiences, created a documentary titled 'The Little Things,' which focuses on the experiences of families at Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley, Lancashireβthe same facility that cared for Kalel. He has since worked on a second film called 'Voice Again,' which aims to shed light on how the hospice supports fathers in processing their grief after losing a child. This endeavor highlights the importance of addressing bereavement and the resources available to help fathers cope with their losses in a supportive environment.
Through sharing his story on national television, Woodward aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by bereaved parents and the critical role of hospices in providing care and support. His heartfelt narrative not only opens up a dialogue about loss and grief but also emphasizes the lasting impact such experiences have on families, encouraging society to better understand and address the needs of those who have suffered similar tragedies.