Podcasts · Family Flowers Only by Grief Ireland

Family Flowers Only with Valerie O'Donnell

26 Oct 2025 · 1 h 45 min · S3 E18

This week I sit down with Valerie O’Donnell a woman whose story is both heartbreaking and profoundly moving. Valerie lost both her husband David and her son Darren to suicide.

In this deeply honest conversation Valerie speaks about how her life changed after their deaths, the layers of loss, the moments of understanding, and the unimaginable difference between losing a partner and losing a child.

It’s a raw, brave, and deeply human episode one that reminds us how vital compassion, awareness, and support are for those living with such pain.

The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the guest and reflect her personal perspective. They are not statements of fact about any other individual or family. The conversation is shared for the purpose of understanding and awareness around grief and loss.

For more information on grief retreats, visit www.griefireland.com.

If anything discussed in this episode has affected you, please know that support is available.

Samaritans Ireland — Call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pieta — For support with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide, call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999 or 112 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.