Dame Mary Berry Reflects on Faith and Perseverance After Family Tragedy
Dame Mary Berry, renowned for her role as a judge on the Great British Bake-Off, has shared how her deep Christian faith has been a source of strength following the tragic loss of her son, William, over 30 years ago.
As she celebrates her 90th birthday, Berry revisits the profound impact of her grief journey, which began in 1989 when William, then 19, lost his life in a car accident while visiting home from Bristol University.
William, who had borrowed his father’s vehicle to purchase newspapers, was accompanied by his sister Annabel, who survived the unfortunate event.
Mary and her husband, Paul Hunnings, were left heartbroken, but the belief in reuniting with William in the afterlife provided solace. “When you have faith and tragedy hits you, you have a reason to go on and be strong. William’s death deepened my faith. Without its support, I really would have struggled. I absolutely believe I will see my son in the afterlife,” Berry mentioned in a recent interview with Yours.
Her faith not only continues to guide her but also influences her support for others experiencing loss. She has emphasized the significance of reaching out to the bereaved, especially during challenging times like Christmas. Speaking to the Mail Online last year, she said, “I think I learned when we lost William how important it is to communicate or to talk with people who have lost one of their great family (members) or a friend.”
Berry recalled the comfort she found in small acts of kindness, such as a friend’s invitation to the Chelsea Flower Show, which became a pivotal moment in her healing process. “At that time I thought I won’t ever feel like it again but to have that to look forward to, and to have something new to wear, and I was quite keen on gardening…. It’s looking after those,” she reminisced.
During an appearance on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories in 2014, Berry recounted the difficult day of the accident, describing the chilling moment when police arrived with the news. Despite the overwhelming grief, she expressed gratitude for her surviving children, Annabel and Thomas.
Berry has consistently expressed thankfulness for the years shared with William, stating in a British Vogue interview, “It was a huge tragedy, but we had two more children, you know. We always think we were fortunate to have had him for 19 years.”
Now, with her son Thomas, daughter Annabel, and five grandchildren, Berry notes how the tragedy brought her family closer. Married to Paul for nearly six decades, she acknowledges him as her unwavering support through life’s ups and downs.
Discussing family dynamics, Berry lamented the decline of family meals, stating, “You miss out on those special moments if you’re eating in front of the TV,” emphasizing the importance of shared experiences.
With accolades such as the National Television Award for Most Popular Talent Show Judge in 2017, Berry continues to inspire others by advocating for communication, support, and faith during tough times. “Life is all about sharing. If we are good at something, we should pass it on,” she concluded.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
