From Heartbreak to Hope with Mothershare’s Help
One vital organisation in Calderdale that has received funding from CFFC is Mothershare. Based in Illingworth, Mothershare is a charity that provides Mums, Dads, Carers, and their children with essentials like clothing, toiletries, cots, mattresses, safety gates, and other basic equipment to combat child poverty in Calderdale.
I’d like to share the story of Tim, who needed support during a time of absolute distress. He was caring for his wife, Fiona, as she battled a severe illness, while also being the strong Stepdad to Fiona’s two teenage daughters.
Tragically, Fiona passed away.
The family had been getting by on benefits, but when Fiona died, the financial support stopped. There was no more carer’s allowance, and no child support—since he wasn’t their biological dad. Suddenly, Tim found himself grieving the loss of his partner, while still trying to care for two distraught teenagers who were also mourning the loss of their mum at such a critical and difficult time in their lives.
Reluctantly, Tim had no choice but to seek help from Mothershare. The family was struggling. Imagine not having the basics: a toothbrush, shampoo, or even socks. All these simple yet vital things, plus clothes and school supplies, were missing. The girls, 14 and 15, had spent so much time focused on caring for their mum that their own needs had fallen behind. Mothershare provided hygiene packs, school rucksacks, and clothing. They even ensured Tim received a hygiene pack, although he wasn’t worried about himself. His only concern was making sure the girls had what they needed to face school with dignity.
Tim’s selflessness was evident to Mothershare. Despite their financial and emotional hardship, he prioritised Fiona’s daughters as if they were his own.
Being a teenager is hard enough without the added weight of grief. The pressure to fit in—having the right clothes, hair, skincare—is intense. The help they received didn’t just cover practical needs; it gave the girls a bit of their confidence back. It gave them one less thing to worry about in a world that felt like it was falling apart.
Mothershare didn’t just stop at offering essential supplies. They kept checking in, making sure the family was okay. Tim was looking for work. He said he needed to find a job—there was no other choice. Life was moving forward, slowly, but at least they had a foundation to build on.
A year later, the girls are now studying for their GCSEs and planning their future. They look up to their role-model stepdad, who now has a stable job and the confidence to guide the girls through possibly the most important years of their lives.
It’s thanks to the generosity of people who support and donate to CFFC that we are able to help charities like Mothershare, and enable such organisations to be there for people when there is often nowhere else to turn, stepping in during moments like this. A simple hygiene pack, costing just a few pounds, can restore dignity and hope. It’s not just about the items themselves; it’s about reminding people they’re not alone, especially when life feels unbearably heavy.
Mothershare can be contacted at mothershare@outlook.com
