TWO teenage girls have become the best of friends, after meeting in tragic circumstances.

Rebecca Ferguson, 14, and Naomi Smart, 13, struck up their friendship after joining a Swindon group for bereaved children.

The Rainbow Club, which began seven years ago, organises activities for like-minded youngsters who have lost a parent or close relative.

The pair say each other’s support and the group as a whole has been an essential part of the grieving process.

“We are all in the same boat and that has helped a lot,” said Naomi from South Marston, whose dad David died four years ago aged 40.

“Rebecca knows what it is like to lose someone she loves.

“I miss my dad loads. We were very close and did things together.

“I feel so sad that he will not be there on my wedding day.

“The group is good as you don’t have to talk about things if you don’t want to.

“Everyone is here for the same reason and you don’t feel embarrassed about that.

“You know what has happened to everyone else and you can get through it together.

“I feel I can speak to people older than me. I prefer an older person’s company.

“The helpers here are like an aunt or a friend.”

The girls’ relationship developed in the two years they both have attended the club.

They socialise out of the group and keep up to date on the latest news by talking frequently on the online messaging service MSN.

Rebecca from Nythe lost her mum Pauline, 38, after she died unexpectedly from a blood clot.

“It’s hard for people to know what it feels like to lose a parent if you haven’t experienced it,” said Rebecca, who will be sitting her GCSE exams next summer at Dorcan Technology College.

“I love Naomi. It has been much easier for me with her being around.

“I think we’ll be friends for life.

“You make friends as you are in the same position as them.”

The group currently has 14 children who go to sessions once every school holiday.

Days out and various activities are organised for each meet before lunch is taken in the afternoon.

It gives the lone parent or guardian respite for a day and offers the youngsters, aged between six and 18, the chance to let their hair down in surroundings where they can relate to their peers.

The group, which has four helpers, had been based at the Great Western Hospital until it made the move to Blunsdon Village Hall in the High Street three years ago.

THE club is able to accommodate new members at its social club.

Children who are members have been ice skating and also recently went on a day out to Weston-super-Mare.

They’ve also baked pizzas and cakes.

At their last meeting on Monday this week, they made kites before flying them at a park in Blunsdon.

The club relies on charitable funds and donations.

It costs about £500 a year to run the organisation.

If you would like to speak to a bereavement councillor then get in touch.

For more information, please contact 01793 605133.