Georgie’s Challenge 15: Remembering George Burke on his fifteenth birthday


On Saturday 14 February 2026 our 2wish community came together once again to honour the life of George Burke through Georgie’s Challenge 15. This annual event is one of the most important days in our calendar because it is rooted in the story that shaped who we are and why we exist.

The Origin of Georgie’s Challenge 

Georgie’s Challenge began because of a moment in time that changed everything. In February 2012, Rhian’s son George died suddenly soon after turning one. Five days later, her husband Paul took his own life, unable to bear the weight of their grief. Faced with an unimaginable loss and no professional support, Rhian made a promise that no other family should ever have to walk through such devastation alone. From that promise, 2wish was born.

Every year since the charity began, our Founder and CEO, Rhian has chosen to mark George’s birthday by setting herself a challenge that brings people together and raises vital awareness. Georgie’s Challenge has grown from a personal act of remembrance into a moment of collective compassion.

A Milestone Year

This year held particular significance as it marked what would have been George’s fifteenth birthday. In tying with this milestone year, we invited people to take on fifteen meaningful actions. Supporters walked fifteen miles, baked fifteen cakes, performed fifteen acts of kindness or created their own unique challenges. Whatever people chose to do, each action represented love, remembrance and solidarity.

At the heart of the day was a fifteen mile walk completed by Rhian, her family, friends and members of the 2wish team. The walk followed a long tradition that Rhian has upheld for many years and symbolised not only the distance travelled but the emotional journey that continues for so many families we support.

Following the walk Rhian shared this message:

“Today we walked for George. We walked and we talked about him, the little things, the moments that mean so much. The sun warmed our faces the whole way, and I couldn’t help but feel that was him too, wrapping us in a little bit of his light on what should have been his 15th birthday. Fifteen miles covered, but every step was taken with love. A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who walked alongside me, who supported the event, who sent messages, photos and kind words. I honestly can’t believe how many of you joined in from near and far to celebrate George today. It means more than I could ever put into words. He can’t and he won’t ever be forgotten. He lives on in the stories we tell, the love we share and the way he continues to bring people together. Our beautiful boy. Our bright star. Always loved. Always missed. Always ours.”
Rhian Mannings
Founder & CEO, George's Mummy

Blown Away by Community Support

Throughout the day we received countless photos, messages and stories from supporters completing their own challenges. Including other 15 mile walks, 15 butterflies handmade by our Adult Sibling Support Group, a 1500 metre swim and a 15 mile duathlon among others! 

We’d also like to deeply shank support we’ve received from partners such as Hutton’s Law for sponsoring this year’s Georgie’s Challenge, and long time supporters, JNP Legal for donating £1,000 to Georgie’s challenge 15.

Looking back on Georgie’s Challenge 15 we feel immense gratitude. Your involvement helps us continue the mission that was born from George and Paul’s lives and legacies. George will always be at the heart of our charity and through challenges like this he continues to bring people together.

You can still support Georgie’s Challenge here and help us continue our vital support, for those affected by sudden death in young people.