Compassionate Willow Burn
Will O’Burn and the Friends Who Remember is a beautifully illustrated children’s book created to help open meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about grief—without pressure, fear or overwhelm.
“Good day Fawny, are you well?” “A good day is it? I can’t tell. I am lost in all this madness. You think that I should turn off sadness? It sits so heavy on my chest I cannot think, I cannot rest. Tears swim and blur my sight, I rarely have an appetite”
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Will O’Burn and the Friends Who Remember opens the door to meaningful conversations about grief without pressure, fear or overwhelm.
Will is a caring rabbit who learns about loss through the eyes of his friends in the garden. Throughout the seasons, Will listens to them share their memories, emotions and experiences, discovering that grief looks and feels different for everyone.
Helping his friends feel heard and supported with warmth, kindness and curiosity, Will is an ideal character through which children and families can navigate loss.
This thoughtfully created story helps to:
Encourage gentle, open conversations about grief
Support children in expressing feelings in their own way
Foster empathy, understanding and connection
Provide comfort through shared memories and experiences
Children experiencing or trying to understand loss
Families and carers supporting young people
Schools and educational settings
Healthcare professionals and children’s charities
Will O’Burn and the Friends Who Remember can be used as a supportive resource in a range of settings:
At home with families
In classrooms or group discussions
Within healthcare and therapeutic environments
As a tool to help children feel seen, heard and understood
Books are £8.99 and are available to order for:
Families and children
Schools and education settings
Healthcare services
Charities and community groups
Workshops to support the use of the book within schools and organisations are also available.
To pre-order your copy, please contact Rachel Quince at: rquince@willowburnhospice.org.uk / 01207 529 224. From 1 June there will be a pre-order payment link available on this page.
This special book is brought to life through the sensitive illustrations of Illustrated By Helen (Helen Turner) and the thoughtful words of Victoria Downes, who together have created a story that honours emotions with compassion and clarity.
Their work aims to help families feel supported during difficult times by giving children a safe, nurturing way to explore grief and remembrance through storytelling.
Text copyright © Victoria Downes 2026
Illustrations copyright © Helen Turner 2026
Moral rights asserted.
Will O’Burn and the Friends Who Remember is part of Compassionate Willow Burn. Willow Burn Hospice is committed to supporting our community to treasure lives, to live well and to die well.
Willow Burn Hospice recognises the value of care and support from carers, friends, employers, colleagues, families and other organisations and groups in the community when people are faced with death and experiencing grief. Willow Burn Hospice is committed to developing the community resources within County Durham to ensure that nobody feels alone, and everyone has a connection.
"The care is outstanding, the staff are wonderful. Nothing is a bother. I count myself blessed to be able to end my days in such a wonderful place."
"I cannot imagine a more caring & positive day - Lovely atmosphere, full of surprises!"
"Our family can never thank Willow Burn and the team enough for the amazing care and compassion our Mam received. We all take comfort in knowing Mam could not of been in a better place to spend her last days. For that we will be eternally grateful."
MCcrory Family
“How do I thank you all? Where do I begin? The care, love and support you showed my beautiful sister and also to our whole family was incredible. You are a superb team and you should be very proud of every shift you work. There aren’t enough words or big enough words to continue...so in the words of my sister...if the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘thank you’ that’ll be enough. Much love to you all ”
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