Still Here

Grief can be difficult to navigate at any age, But When you're a child who has lost someone you love, it can be particularly complicated.

Daniel is 11. His father Colm died in April aged 57 - he had a rare lung condition and received a double transplant nine years ago.

His dad was " very funny, kind and nice" according to Daniel.

" He had a transplant around nine years ago But his lungs failed on him and infection happened, " He Said .

" It was very sad and hard.

" But he needs to be talked about and it's important to remember him. "

Daniel, whose full name We Are not using, wanted to speak to Bbc News NI about his experience with grief to raise awareness about organ donation.

" Organ donation is very important and it can help you live more, " He Said .

In September, Daniel started grammar school.

" I've made new friends and they're all Very Nice , " He Said .

" I've told one of My Friends what has happened, I think they need to know what's happening. "

Daniel said his favourite memories of his father are On Holiday in Spain, Lanzarote and Donegal.

" We liked to go to The Beach and into The Pool for a wee while, " He Said .

The Schoolboy he would advise other children dealing with grief to think about the loved one they've lost.

" I pretend he's Still There sometimes and it does help a lot, " He Said .

" I think about him being in Lanzarote on The Beach With Us and in The Pool . "

Daniel is also 11. His sister Julia died Last Year .

She had a rare form of cancer and was just weeks away from her 16th birthday When she Passed Away .

" She was always kind and she always had a big smile on her face, " said Daniel.

During The Interview , Daniel occasionally squeezes his " special heart" which is made of orange and white fabric.

" I always have it in my pocket if I have a pocket that lets it fit. Julia had one as well so I just squeeze it As If she's Still Here , " He Said .

" If I feel sad or worried, I usually just squeeze it and it actually works. "

Daniel hopes that by speaking out he can help other children dealing with grief.

" Generally just keeping busy helped, " He Said .

" It doesn't really matter what you do, it just helped to keep busy and move on with your day.

" It depends on my mood if I want to talk about her or not. If I'm a bit more happy it would usually be fine But if I'm already sad I just usually need a little bit of a break.

" Just Keep Going , it's fine to cry or be sad, it's normal.

" And if you need help, just ask for it. "

Both of The Boys were pupils at St Bernard's Primary School in south Belfast When they lost their loved ones.

The School has organised a colour run for Sunday, in support of organisations that helped The Boys .

Acting principal Jenni Maguire said The School wanted to support the pupils' families while looking towards " brighter times ahead".

" Every Child deals with grief and bereavement differently, " She Said .

" Their world was turned completely Upside Down , and I guess school was their little bit of normality and routine, and that helped.

" I have learned how resilient they can be. Every Day I see them with a smile on their face, they're working hard, they're playing in The Playground .

" I've also learned we need to take it at their pace. In terms of counselling and other services, we've been very much guided by When The Children felt ready.

" Listen to the young person - When they're ready to talk they will let you know.

" Sometimes as adults and even as teaching staff we might feel uncomfortable talking about it because we don't want to upset them - But I've learned it's good to talk When they're ready to do so. "

Linda Warwick, from Cruse Bereavement Support, said: " Children and Young People experience similar feelings as adults When someone dies, But they may express them differently.

" Although a child's grief is individual, their understanding of death changes as they get older.

" Children between five years and 12 years of age have a wider understanding of death and what it means.

" They begin to realise that death is The End of a person's life, and that the person who has died won't return.

" When someone dies it's important to share information about What Happened and it's very important To Let children talk about their feelings, and make sure they feel listened to. "

If you have been affected by bereavement, help and support is available at .

Source of news: bbc.com