FORCE is an Exeter based charity committed to people whose lives are affected by cancer. The charity runs a Cancer Support Centre in the grounds of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, funds equipment to improve treatment and supports a team of cancer researchers within the Peninsula Medical School.

Milly and I first met the year before Simon died. She came into the FORCE Cancer Support Centre to seek help with the difficult times that lay ahead.
Whilst Milly faced the death of her father with unusual maturity for a child of seven, she felt isolated and these pages are her way of reaching out to other children.
I know that Milly's main objective is to help others find a path through grief and to light the way forward.

Sarah Delfont
Oncology Support Specialist


Simon Bell worked for electricity company Western Power Distribution in the South West of England for 20 years. He started work as an apprentice in 1985 and qualified as an electricity linesman in 1988. Simon retired in 2005 due to ill health and died one year later in May 2006 at the age of 36.

Western Power Distribution is proud to have worked with Milly, Simon's daughter, to bring her wonderful work to print and to reach other children who may be going through similar experiences.

We feel that this publication is a fitting tribute to both Simon and Milly.


The Express & Echo newspaper in Exeter has covered Milly's story throughout the last couple of years as she nursed her beloved father through cancer, bravely coping with his loss and raising money to help other victims. In 2006 she was honoured with a Britain’s Children of Courage award. We wanted to help make all her hard work available for other children on this website.

Sarah Elliott
Web Editor


Useful Contacts

FORCE Cancer Support Centre
Tel: 01392 406151
email: support@forcecancercharity.co.uk

Balloons
Tel: 01392 208429
email: lookingonwards@hotmail.co.uk

Child Bereavement Charity
Tel: 01494 446648
email: support@childbereavement.org.uk

Winston's Wish Helpline
Tel: 08452 030405
General Enquiries: 01242 515157
email: info@winstonswish.org.uk

Childhood Bereavement Network
Tel: 0207 843 6000