Forest walk helped me cope with personal loss

Jules Hudson lost his father Clifford, aged 93, a year ago.

He then lost his two black labradors to cancer in January.

Describing his late father, Jules said: “He was a great guy, I loved him to bits. When you are trying to steer your loved ones through the final stages of their lives, it is really challenging and it’s very emotional.

“I don’t think you ever quite prepare yourself for it.

“I haven’t experienced a huge personal loss like that in my life.

“I’m lucky to have got through to my 50s before having to confront these things.

“This man who’s been there for me suddenly isn’t anymore.

“I made the mistake of trying to put it to the back of my mind.

“With all the stuff that comes with the loss of somebody very close to you, there’s a horrible amount of administration that you have to go through.

“I probably didn’t spend enough time dealing with it.

“I find myself now having to catch up a bit, and it’s catching me quite unaware.

“You can get quite emotional when you least expect it.”

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Regarding the death of his dogs, he said: “You absolutely can put the death of a pet on a par with people. They are a huge part of our lives.”

Jules returns to our screens in four new episodes of Winter on the Farm, broadcasting from Cannon Hall Farm, South Yorks.

The 53-year-old went on a mental health walk in the Forest of Dean for the new series, in which he reflected on his losses.

“I think a walk like that, getting out into the natural world, allows you to get rid of all the day-to-day distractions most of us rely upon to cheer us up.

“You confront these things and it was quite emotional.”

Winter on the Farm, December 11, 8pm, Channel 5

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