For Kerry Knight, Thursday 9^th June marks five years since her husband, Shawn, died of kidney cancer. Having been diagnosed only 14 months earlier, Shawn was cared for on the Inpatient Unit at St Wilfrid’s.

While Shawn was ill, Kerry expressed her thoughts and feelings through poetry writing, and has continued to channel her emotions in this way through her bereavement. 

‘I found many blogs from the perspective of the person with the illness but not much from the partner,’ she told Sussex World. ‘With Shawn’s permission, I felt the need to write and share in the hope that it could turn our negative into a positive and create a lighthouse up ahead for others in their storm.’

To mark the anniversary, Kerry has published her work in a book: ‘Sunshine Moments’.

‘It’s a small book of my journey through grief and beyond,’ she said. 

‘I was often told how my writings had resonated and provided comfort to others and was encouraged to publish because of this. As the five-year anniversary approached, I decided to make it my goal to reframe the day into something more uplifting in Shawn’s honour. 

‘Sunshine moments have been instrumental in getting me through some dark days, and still do. I gave this name to the book because it’s a reminder that dark days may come, but the sun is always shining behind the clouds.’ 

The book is also dedicated to her 22-year-old daughter, Kiah, whose artwork is featured on the front cover. 

‘Shortly after Shawn died, I asked my daughter, Kiah, to paint me a picture to represent the sunshine moments. It’s a beautiful tribute to Shawn. It is now displayed in my home and used on the front cover of the book,’ Kerry explained. 

From every copy of ‘Sunshine Moments’ sold Kerry will donate £1 to the hospice. 

‘When Shawn was admitted to the hospice it felt as though a weight was lifted off our shoulders. We could spend time together as a family as we weren’t restricted by visiting times; it made an indescribable difference. During that time and since then, the children and I have received so much care and support. It has made us want to give something back,’ she said.

The book costs £6.50 and you can purchase it through Amazon. (Please note: This is an external affiliate link that enables Kerry to recoup some of the costs taken by Amazon for printing. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you.)