Since 2wish was founded in 2012, we’ve been on a mission to ensure that anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young adult aged 25 or under gets the immediate and ongoing support they need and deserve.
In April of 2018 support 2wish became an all Wales charity. 6 years on we celebrate over half a decade of providing our support services and raising awareness across the country.
In February 2012, our Founder & CEO, Rhian tragically lost her son, George a week after his first birthday. With little to no support available and unable to cope with the loss, her husband and best friend, Paul, took his own life five days later.
Following this tragedy, Rhian gained strength from the idea of raising money to help others who have suffered a similar loss and set up 2wish, so that no parent ever need experience that same feeling of helplessness and abandonment following the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person. In October 2012 the charity was officially formed.
Rhian’s early fundraising efforts were directed towards creating a comforting space for families following the news of a loved one’s passing.
In 2014 our first ever bereavement room was built at the University Hospital of Wales.
The charity then campaigned and worked towards supporting families affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young adult in Wales. Between 2014 and 2015, a pilot was launched, offering 17 families memory boxes following the loss of their child and the option of receiving ongoing support. All 17 families accepted the offer of both memory boxes and support.
Our ‘Immediate Support Pathway’ was formed, accepting referrals to support those affected by the unexpected death of a child up to the age of 18.
2016 saw multiple milestones and achievements for the charity.
The referral maximum age was increased to 25.
Support for professionals was introduced, meaning not only could we support the affected families but were now able to support the emergency services, education staff, and any other professionals that might be impacted by the unexpected death of a child or young adult aged 25 or under.
In 2016, 2wish also broke the Guinness World Record for largest number of people dressed as elephants in one place! (A record still held to this day!)
Our dedicated North Wales team are passionate about providing immediate & ongoing support, and flying the flag for 2wish, raising vital awareness and funds.
Hello, I’m Laura, the North Wales Fundraising Coordinator for 2wish Cymru. I have been in my role now for 10 months. It truly has been the most amazing 10 months, a real whirlwind. I feel very proud to be a part of 2wish, helping to spread awareness and raise funds that goes towards helping those suddenly bereaved.
In 10 months, I have been on a mission to spread our 2wish sparkle in North Wales. We put on our very first Nutcracker event, we’ve done lots of static bike bucket collections in the supermarkets, supported in aid of events and we have so much more to come. I’m so excited about our 2wish-ful Journey campaign and continuing raising awareness of 2wish Cymru in North Wales.
‘Your work is going to be a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ – Steve Jobs.
I love being part of the 2wish team and feel privileged to have the opportunity to provide compassionate support to families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child or young person and to be able to offer support to professionals.
Prior to joining the 2wish team in July 2023 I was a police officer for over 28 years , specialising in the protection of vulnerable persons. I was also a Family Liaison officer for over 20 of those years providing support to families bereaved as a result of murder and manslaughter.
“To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care.”
We are dedicating April to celebrating the 2wish journey and raising awareness in North Wales.
Please join us during the month of April, to help us raise funds and awareness for 2wish Cymru in North Wales.
Whether an individual, business or school please pick a day in April and choose an activity to spread the 2wish sparkle.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to get involved, here are some ways you can support 2wish this April…
Or get creative! Any and all ideas are welcome… Our loveable mascot Gorgeous George may even be able to make an appearance.
Get in Touch
Whether is collection buckets, merchandise, resources, or any other help to get your fundraiser up and running, our North Wales Fundraising Coordinator, Laura is on hand support you on your fundraising journey.
E: Laurao@2wish.org.uk
T: 07771151301
Donate & Fundraise
CLICK HERE to donate or start a fundraising campaign in aid of our 2wish-ful journey.
15 March 2024
