Picture of Emma Charlesworth signing her book and her award for her blog Life is a rollercoaster

About

Hi, I’m Emma.

I’m a writer, a mum, and a young widow. Although none of those are labels I ever expected to sit alongside each other.

If you’ve found your way here, chances are you already know a little of my story. Or perhaps you’ve arrived because you’re navigating loss yourself. Either way, I’m so glad that you’ve taken the time to be here.

At the start of 2020, I could have told you exactly who I was. I was a 38-year-old married, working mum, living what I thoughts was an ordinary life. And then COVID-19 entered our world. Within weeks, everything changed. I went from being a wife to being widowed at 39. From planning a future together, to learning how to carry on without him. There is nothing like your entire world being turned upside down in the space of a month to make you reassess who you are.

This blog began in 2021, at a time when I didn’t know how to make sense of what had happened, or who I was becoming in its aftermath. Writing became a way for me to process the unimaginable. Of helping me to put one foot in front of the other. Of finding words for a life I never expected to be living.

What started as something deeply personal has grown into something much bigger. This blog shares my story, before, during, and after loss. It’s about grief, but it’s also about motherhood, resilience, humour when you least expect it, and slowly rebuilding a life you didn’t choose.

Alongside everything that life has thrown at me, I’m also a woman in her 40s (which, apparently, is when life begins although perimenopause feels slightly at odds with this). I’m mum to a teenage daughter who continues to amaze me, and owner of a dog who firmly believes he’s in charge. By day, I work in marketing, a career I’m incredibly proud of. I’m also a lifelong Jason Donovan fan, and I still love nothing more than a glass of wine or gin, a catch-up with friends, and moments of normality.

Above all else, I’m just Emma. Someone whose life took an unexpected turn, but who has found strength and purpose in sharing the journey. And while I didn’t know how either me or this blog would develop when I first started writing it, I’m so grateful to everyone who has read it and supported me during this time.

And I’m incredibly proud that writing this blog led to my memoir Is Daddy Going to Be OK? Published in November 2025, you can find out more about it on this page.

You can also find out more about the fundraising in memory of my late husband by following this link.

If you’re here because you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand loss a little better, I hope you find something here that makes you feel less alone.

Thank you for being here.

Emma x

25 thoughts on “About”

  12. hi Emma
    So much love to you and Rebecca ❤️ Thank you for the rollercoaster you have taken us on with you over this past year and I know its going to be a very emotional time to come, with lots of very upsetting markers in time. I loved your Charlie very much and he helped me so much and taught me so much in the years we worked together. I am in tears, when I read your words, they are full of love, strength, truth and kindness even though you have been through so much… love for now x ❤️X please keep blogging….
    Love Dave Spade ♠️

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  13. Emma, thank you for sharing. Your message of kindness resonates loudly. All my very best to you and your daughter as you navigate life. Jon

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  16. A brilliant debut Emma! Great name, first post and photo!
    I’m sure it will be cathartic for you and bring comfort to the many people who will no doubt read it.
    Well done and best of luck with it. Karen Rice

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  19. Brilliantly written Emma. I hope you find comfort in sharing your thoughts and experience and I’m sure your honesty will help others. Here for you always 💜💛

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  21. I read your tweet on Twitter (x!!!) about losing your husband ring, am devastated for you!! I don’t travel that route but took the liberty to read your blog and look through your posts (I’m not a stalker just genuinely trying to help reunite you with your precious ring) I’m so sorry for your loss. I came across a post which shows you wearing the ring, I zoomed in quite a bit but thinking you may have the picture in your phone and it may be a better resolution??? The post was from 04.01.23, I have screenshots if needed, am hoping it is fond and returned asap, keeping everything crossed 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 have you contacted local/national newspapers? I’m sure they would be happy to help, and get the message out far and wide, wishing you so much luck, you deserve it, much love, Tracy

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  22. I too lost my husband within 30 days at the beginning of COVID, March 2021. He was 59 years old. I have been with him since I was 19. I understand your story. I will be purchasing your book. Thank you for sharing your story, challenges, courage and survival. Mary

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    1. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Mary and I’m so incredibly sorry that you have also been through this experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book if you’re comfortable to share once you’ve read it. Sending a big hug your way x

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