Dianne Turner’s life took an unexpected turn in 2018 when she sadly lost her husband of 34 years, Ian.
Family and friends rallied round her as she tried her best to carry on life without her husband.
It was a friend-of-a-friend who put Dianne in touch with Angela Curtis, who had recently lost her husband when she was 64 years old. The pair got in contact with each other and met for a coffee.
Dianne, who works as a Clinical Trials Associate in late phase cancer clinical trials at the Freeman Hospital, describes meeting Angela as “feeling a bit like a blind date”, but they soon became firm friends.
From 6 to 360 members
She says: “When I lost my husband, it dawned on me how much of life is set up for two people. My family and friends are wonderful, but there were still times when I felt lonely.
“When I met Angela, I felt like I was speaking to someone who truly understood what I was going through. That’s what got me thinking about setting up a group for others in a similar situation.”
In late 2022, Dianne decided to set up A New Chapter North East to help others experiencing grief. The first meet up was attended by around six people, but the group soon grew and has now reached over 360 members. Members meet up in local areas, from Morpeth down to Middlesbrough.
Dianne now plans events throughout the year, including local coffee meet ups, eating out, weekends away, Christmas parties, and even trips abroad.
In May 2025, approximately 35 members of the group are holidaying together in Salou and earlier this year, six of them went to Fuengirola.
Kindness and support
Dianne adds:
“The main aim of A New Chapter is to help people find joy in life again, but I know first-hand that grief makes some days harder than others.
“The great thing about the group is that everyone is there for each other. Sometimes, just a few words of kindness and support on our Facebook group are enough to get someone through a tough day.
“If someone feels a bit lonely or just needs to get out of the house, there’s always someone they can meet for a walk or coffee.”
In 2023, Dianne’s incredible commitment to A New Chapter was recognised when she won a cruise as part of the Evening Chronicle and Fred.Olsen’s Cruises for Community Heroes competition.
Enjoying life again
Dianne stepped aboard a cruise to the Scottish Highlands in July, after being nominated by a member of the group, Dawn Osborne.
Talking about the difference A New Chapter made to her life and why she nominated Dianne, Dawn says:
“I felt so alone, isolated, and incredibly sad when I lost my husband at the age of 43. You ask yourself “why me?” and it’s like you’re the only one feeling this way. It really is an awful situation.
“Dianne is the most amazing person, inside and out. The group had very small numbers initially, so it’s incredible to see how it has grown and the difference it makes to the lives of so many of us.
“Although members of the group have faced heartache and tragedy, Dianne has a way of making things better. She spends so much time arranging trips and get togethers – these events give me purpose to continue living and to enjoy life’s happier moments.
“The strength this group has given me is beyond anything I can describe and the people I’ve met have made me smile again – especially Dianne!
“I have already made some very special friends and will continue to do so for the rest of my life as part of this group. A New Chapter has been my reason to carry on and has truly been life changing.
“So many of us are eternally thankful for what Dianne has done. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this win than her.”
