Chin Up, Head Down: A Mother's Journey of Madness and Grief Book

• A moving account of one mother’s struggle to cope with the loss of her son to an IED in Afghanistan On 2nd June 2009 two men knocked on the door bringing with them the news that our 19-year old son Cyrus, had been killed that morning by an IED whilst serving with 2 Rifles in Afghanistan, instantly destroying our family as we knew it. I had three sons, a job as a manager in a day centre for people with acquired brain injuries and in an instant that changed forever. People ask me how I’ve coped; my answer was that I wrote it all down for fear of losing that too and also to try and make sense of what had happened. The process of madness continues to be part of my new`normal’. I now have a new life which I’m trying desperately to come to terms with and words from Cyrus’last letter help give me the strength to do so. Proceeds from this book will help support SSAFA the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help. SSAFA is the UK’s oldest Armed Forces charity. They provide practical help and assistance to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served, even if it was only for a single day. SSAFA is there for them and their families wherever they are. Each year, the charity supports more than 50,000 people in the Armed Forces community. The unfailing bravery, dedication and commitment from these men and women deserve a lifetime of support.