PODCAST: On the Marie Curie Couch with Tayshan Hayden-Smith
In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, Tayshan Hayden-Smith sits down with bereavement expert Jason Davidson.
This month, Jason is joined by Tayshan Hayden-Smith. Tayshan's a TV presenter, social and environmental activist, and footballer. He founded Grow2Know, a non-profit focused on empowering young people through horticulture. His first book, Small Space Revolution: Planting Seeds of Change in Your Community , is out in April. In this episode of the podcast, Tayshan talks to Jason about the legacy of his late mum, Nancy, and growing up in the shadow of Grenfell Tower.
Content note: discussion of death and grief with reference to themes/topics that might be triggering or upsetting.
A real warrior
"My mum was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2011 and given three months to live. She made a promise that she would see us all four of us through to adulthood. She passed a week before my youngest sister turned eighteen [in 2020], so she was a real warrior."
Love of nature
"Mum used nature to captivate our minds at moments of chaos. So whether it was the sunset as we sat at the dining table and had dinner, and maybe things were getting rowdy, Mum would say, 'Guys, hey, can you see all the colours in the sky? Can you name them?' Then we were suddenly looking at the sky and naming all the colours. And she used to love birdsong and would ask: 'Can you hear the birds talking? What do you think they're saying?'"
My love of nature stems from my mum. When the Grenfell Tower fire happened, it was nature that came to my rescue and I see that as an extension of my mum."
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Tayshan's chat with Jason. Alternatively, listen to or download it via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd prefer, you can read a full transcript of the episode. Be sure to like and subscribe so you know when we've uploaded a new episode – there are more conversations coming soon.
If you need support with bereavement or grief, call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/support
