At 2wish, we believe no one should face grief alone. Every day, we see the courage and strength of families navigating unimaginable loss, and the profound difference that compassion, connection and support can make during those darkest times.
During this year’s Vilomay campaign, where we shine a light on bereaved parents and their journeys through grief, we are honoured to share the story of Brooke Webb and Wiliam Rees from Pontypridd, a family whose love for their son Gwilym continues to inspire compassion and change
On Christmas Eve 2025, Brooke and Will’s lives changed forever when their son, Gwilym Ioan Rees-Webb, died at just 11 days old. Like so many bereaved parents, they were left not only with overwhelming grief, but also unanswered questions.
The loss of a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. As Brooke and Will have shared, when a child dies, “your whole world stops.” In the midst of that sudden and devastating reality, families are forced to find ways to exist day by day, learning how to live alongside their grief.
In those earliest days of loss, 2wish was there.
Brooke recalls the immediate and lasting impact of that contact:
“We took on this challenge in memory of our beautiful son, Gwilym. Losing him has changed every part of our lives, but we wanted to do something that honoured his memory while also giving back and saying thank you for the support we’ve had and continue to have.
Ali from 2wish was the first person to contact us after Gwilym died, and she has been there ever since listening, supporting and helping us through the days we didn’t think we’d get through. That kindness and compassion has made such a difference to us as we try to navigate life without Gwilym.
When your whole world stops, support like this means everything. If raising money through this challenge helps 2wish support another family with the same care and support that we’ve had, then we’re incredibly proud to do it in memory of Gwilym.”
Almost six months on, Brooke and Wil have chosen to honour Gwilym’s life in a deeply meaningful way.
Together, they took on the challenge of climbing Snowdon overnight, joining other bereaved families to reach the summit at sunrise. It was a powerful moment of remembrance.
Through their fundraising efforts, they have raised over £8,200 (as of when this article was published), supporting both 2wish and Sands, two charities that have helped them navigate their grief.
Their motivation is rooted in ensuring other families receive the same vital support.
If sharing their story and raising funds means another family feels less alone at the most devastating time of their life, then Gwilym’s legacy continues to make a lasting difference.
For bereaved parents, keeping their child’s memory alive is an important part of their journey. Brooke and Wil have spoken about how honouring Gwilym helps them feel close to him, even as they learn to live with his absence.
Through challenges like this, they are not only remembering Gwilym, they are helping to build a future where families facing similar heartbreak are met with care, understanding and support.
Our Vilomay Campaign is about recognising the unique and often unseen experiences of bereaved parents, acknowledging the lifelong impact of loss, and creating space for their voices and stories to be heard.
Brooke and Wil’s story is a powerful reminder that grief does not end, but it can be carried with support, compassion and community.
At 2wish, we are in awe of, their openness and commitment to helping others during the most difficult time of their lives.
The generosity shown by Brooke and Wil, and the community that has supported them, will enable 2wish to continue providing immediate and ongoing support to families across Wales when their world changes forever.
Their fundraising is more than a challenge. It is a tribute, a legacy and a lifeline for others.
In memory of Gwilym, and in honour of every bereaved parent, we stand beside you, today, tomorrow and always.
You can support Brooke & Wil’s fundraising here.
