Shropshire Star comment: Kirsty an example to all of us

Many might reasonably have expected her to crumble when her husband, Shane, was found drowned in the River Severn.

She has done precisely the opposite. The seeds of hope grow in the garden of despair and Kirsty has thrown herself into saving others. She has become the figurehead for a movement to make our river safer. In doing so, she will spare others from the misery of widowhood, from the pain and grief of loss.

Some of the work Kirsty has engaged with during the past year is truly remarkable. While she might have hidden away, too broken to emerge, she has become a reassuring presence.

Kirsty has campaigned successfully for an emergency throw line, which may save lives, while her campaign will have encouraged others to stay safe and avoid taking unnecessary risks at different times of the day and night.

She has become an ambassador for the West Mercia Search and Rescue Team, taking to the banks of the river to keep others safe.

Links:

• Kirsty Walsh on Twitter - twitter.com/KirstyWalsh16

• West Mercia Search and Rescue Team - westmerciasar.org.uk/

Grief affects different people in different ways. Some see their lives grow smaller as they find it difficult to come to terms with their loss. There is no shame in that, it is a perfectly reasonable way for people to behave.

And we ought not to imagine how Kirsty will have been through unimaginable pain and trauma as she has gradually comes to terms with the loss of her husband.

And yet what is truly remarkable about her is the manner in which she has become stronger in adversity. Her remarkable work stems from the pain she will have felt. She has channelled it positively, refusing to give in, showing fortitude and determination as she has campaigned to make others safer.

Kirsty is not the only person whose loss has inspired great deeds that benefit the community. The Big Busk was created in very different circumstances by an equally brave women who wanted to create a lasting and positive memorial to someone they had lost.

Karen Higgins and Annie Hambley created the event in memory of Ben Bebbington, whose life has not been forgotten because of their impressive efforts. They have raised money for The Ark, which supports the homeless, and kept the flame alive.

Kirsty’s remarkable, living tribute to her husband, Shane, is an example to us all.