A woman who lost her husband in a motorcycle crash is opening a new coffee shop to try and empower young widows.

Jake Medler, 36, from Wicklewood, died when his motorcycle collided with a car in Salhouse in September.

His wife, Sophie Medler, has now teamed up with her younger brother, Jack Sampson, to open Grazie and Jake's, a quirky and contemporary space where younger people can come together for a good time no matter what might be going on in their private lives.

The mother-of-three, 38, worked as a property manager in Wymondham for 12 years until she lost her husband

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Mrs Medler struggled to return to her ordinary routine without her husband being aroundMrs Medler struggled to return to her ordinary routine without her husband being around (Image: Sophie Medler)

"I only lost Jake five months ago," she said. "I had three months signed off work but when it was time to go back I just couldn't go back to my old routine without him.

"I don't want it to seem like I'm fine and it's all fine because it's really not fine.

READ MORE: Norfolk pub taken over by owners of award-winning curry house

"But when you're grieving, there are two options - you can either fall into a pit of pinot grigio and Doritos, or you can get up and try and move.

"I've definitely been on both sides - because there's no middle ground - but I think if I stop now I'll go straight back into the pit.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Grazie and Jake's will be a fun and contemporary spot aimed towards younger peopleGrazie and Jake's will be a fun and contemporary spot aimed towards younger people (Image: Sophie Medler)
"I am still in the depths of my grief, but I've found this venture to be the thing that has given me some positive focus."

Mrs Medler added that although Grazie and Jake's "won't be a totally dark and morbid place", she wants other young widows to feel they can come to the cafe to find some solace during their own healing journeys.

READ MORE: Former prime minister opens café in historic former windmill

"In the worst moments I desperately wanted to meet people my age who had been through this," she added.

"You don't ever hear about young widows whose husbands have been taken away from them.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Mrs Medler will run the cafe with her brother, Jack SampsonMrs Medler will run the cafe with her brother, Jack Sampson (Image: Sophie Medler)

"I want others to have what I didn't have - someone to listen and show them they need to walk through the flames because, like in that old children's book, they can't go around them."

Grazie and Jake's will be filled with fun and quirky props including a phone box and plenty of spots to take photos with friends for Instagram.

Milkshakes, smoothies, coffee and snacks such as sausage rolls, brownies, blondies and sweet and savoury muffins will also be on offer. 

The venue will open in Ayton House in Wymondham and is set to launch in mid-March.