I was recently invited to The Royal Foundation’s Carol Service at Westminster Abbey hosted by HRH The Baroness Carrickfergus.

Guest appearances from Jim Broadbent, Freya Ridings, James Bay, Roman Kemp, Jacob Collier, Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert. What a line-up! It will be shown on ITV over the Christmas period.

It was a thank you for the work I’ve done sharing my lived experience and talking about telling children about a parent’s terminal diagnosis. I didn’t expect such an expression of gratitude yet it was wonderful to receive it. It was enjoyable, inspiring and emotional.

I met many other people who are doing worthwhile and wholehearted work to support children and families.

Two beautiful words. Thank you.

I say them often. (Perhaps sometimes not often enough)

I taught my children to say them.

It’s not just a kind thing to do, it’s actually good for you!

Expressing #gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness in positive psychology research. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships according to Harvard Medical School.