Derry woman uses the heartbreak of losing her mother as inspiration for a new book which aims to help people cope with bereavement

Derry woman Clare Hegarty speaks to Ursula Duddy about how her mother’s death last year inspired her to write a book in a bid to help people who are dealing with bereavement.   Clare, 29, from the Bishop Street, lost her mother, Deirdre, last July and grief worsened the depression she had already been suffering before her mother’s death. It got to the point where Clare (pictured above with her mum) struggled to cope with day-to-day life and developed insomnia. However, it was only when she turned to writing that she began to process and deal with her emotions. She has now written her first book, White Feather: A collection of Poetry. “I was suffering from depression before my mammy died and after her death I was pretty low,” she said. “I'd tried to convince myself and everyone around me that I could move on and be the happy, bubbly person they all expected. “I couldn't sleep at night and as my facade started to crack I turned to writing everything down. “I wrote about pain, death, grief, love, how I saw others coping, how I saw the world and myself change. “The words would just come with the tears and then I finally built up the courage to show people when they asked how I was coping with the loss of the most important person in my life.” Clare, a specialist speech and language therapist, who is working in Salford, Manchester, said she has always been a keen writer, with a ‘keen interest in poetry’ and has even having freelance pieces published. “As a past pupil of Lumen Christi Grammar School I was inspired at A-Level by my teacher Leona McGlinchey to analyse and write poetry; I loved the fact that people have a different interpretation. “This book is a collection of poems I wrote in the aftermath of the death of my mother and was my way of coping.” Clare said people described her mother, Deirdre, as ‘a true lady’. She passed away peacefully at home last July 22, just seven weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. “She was the most loving, kindest, warmest and generous person I have ever known,” said Clare. “M two brothers Gavin, Michael, my sister, Fiona and I were so blessed to have had such a supportive mammy who pushed us academically and drove us to ever after school activity you can imagine!” She added: “She was the youngest daughter of Jack and Genevieve McKenna and the youngest sister of Clare, Nuala, Fr Philip, Sister Lily, Noel, Gen and Anne. “She dedicated her life to being a brilliant parent, a wonderful sister, model daughter and a loyal friend. “When my nephew Conall was born she was just so overjoyed and he brought her so much happiness, he kept us all entertained during her illness. “She loved being a granny and was so happy to hear she was going to have another grandchild. She saw the scan picture of my niece Róise but unfortunately didn't get to meet her. “We miss her so much every day.” Clare said she hopes her book will help others through the difficult time of losing someone that was special to them. “I hope that other people who have gone through the pain of losing someone close to them or who will go through it in the future can take comfort in the words I have written. “I want people to understand that they're not alone in how they're feeling.” Clare thanked all her family and friends for supporting her in writing the book which is dedicated to her later mother. She added: “If anyone is struggling to cope with loss, please do not hesitate to contact Cruse bereavement charity at 4 Dacre Terrace or by phone on 028 7126 2941.” White Feather: A Collection of Poetry will officially be launched on November 12 at 5.30pm in the Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased by contacting 07902360036 or emailing clare.hegarty3@gmail.com Tickets are £15 and that includes free signed copy of the book, champagne reception, live music and a reading from the author. The book will be available directly from Clare or from Easons, Foyleside from November 13, priced £8.95.