YOUNG widows and widowers are taking part in a Big Picnic this weekend at Delamere Forest to celebrate 20 years of support.

Young widows and widowers and their families and friends will spread out their picnic blankets in the forest tomorrow (Sunday) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the charity WAY Widowed & Young.

The group is a peer-to-peer support charity that, over the past two decades, has helped thousands of people who have been widowed at a young age.

WAY was founded in 1997 by journalist Caroline Sarll, who was shocked to find there was no support available for her sister when she was widowed at the age of 35.

Since then, the charity has gone from strength to strength and now has more than 2,400 members across the UK.

WAY hit the headlines last month with its campaign against cuts to bereavement support payments – which was supported by widowed footballer Rio Ferdinand.

WAY’s annual Big Picnic weekend is a chance for people who have been widowed young to get together with other bereaved families – and for non-members to find out how the charity works.

Last year, this national event attracted hundreds of people to 30 of the most picturesque parks, beaches and beauty spots up in UK – from Cornwall to Scotland. This year there are 37 picnics taking place – more than ever before.

“It’s a chance for WAY members and their children to let their hair down and have some fun,” said local volunteer Claire Lloyd.

“It’s also a chance to spread the word about how WAY has helped them and how it can help other people who have lost their partner at a young age too.”

WAY Widowed & Young supports anyone aged 50 or under who is overcoming the loss of a partner – whether they were married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation.

It’s a peer-to-peer support network run by volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age themselves, so they understand exactly what other members are going through.