A brave young Scots woman whose world fell apart after discovering her mum’s cancer had returned just days after losing her dad has launched a social media campaign.
Gaby Williamson wants to get people talking about taboo subjects such as grief and mental health in a bid to help those who are struggling.
The 20-year-old, from Ayr, believes that ‘no one should ever feel alone’ when experiencing some of life’s toughest challenges after battling to cope with her own trauma.
She’s urging people to back the Let’s Blether Instagram campaign in a bid to break the stigma around discussing difficult issues.
We previously told how Gaby had documented her struggles on a blog after losing dad Kevin, 49, to cancer in June last year.
The family received another devastating blow just days later after mum Victoria was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.
Student Gaby said: “To blether is to talk and I am on a mission to get everyone talking.
“During the pandemic I started my blog @lets_blether, discussing important ‘taboo’ subjects.
“After losing my dad in June, and my mum being diagnosed with cancer a week later - I felt so alone.
“I didn’t know where to turn or who to talk to. Nobody should ever feel alone when experiencing or going through something.
“I want to start a movement. A campaign that gets people talking. My taboo is dealing with death. I believe we need to break the stigma and start talking about it.
“What is your taboo? I nominate you all to share your taboo with the world and let’s get people blethering. The more we talk the more change we will make.
“I want as many people as possible to take part and let’s share what we want to talk about. What is something you feel needs more attention brought to it? Is there a subject or topic you feel needs to be spoken about more often?”
Gaby is urging Scots to share their stories by taking a picture with their message written on a piece of paper before using the 'letsblether' hashtag on social media.
Dad-of-three Kevin, a top businessman and Ayr rugby club stalwart, peacefully passed away at Ayr Hospital with his loving family by his side on June 18.
He was nursed by his loving wife of 24 years Victoria who previously battled breast cancer eight years ago.
After experiencing pain during lockdown last year, the 50-year-old made an appointment with her GP who sent her for tests before she received the heartbreaking news that the disease had returned.
She is now fighting the incurable but treatable cancer and has urged others not to bury their heads in the sand if they have any health worries during the coronavirus lockdown.
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