At 2Wish, John and Freya met Rhian Mannings, the founder and CEO of the charity. Rhian kindly shared the deeply moving story behind the creation of 2Wish. Her passion and commitment to ensuring that no family faces such devastation alone is evident in every aspect of the charity’s work.

John and Freya also met the broader team, who provided more insight into the bereavement services 2Wish offers.  They were heartened to see just how many people they can support, not only immediate family members but also a wide network of others affected by the loss of a young life. This includes friends, colleagues, teachers, police officers, nurses/doctors, and even witnesses to the tragic incidents. The scope of their outreach is endless, providing a crucial lifeline for those impacted by these losses.

A particularly touching moment for John and Freya was being shown the bereavement boxes that 2Wish provides to grieving families. These boxes contain precious keepsakes such as handprints, footprints, locks of hair, and other mementos that help families preserve cherished memories of their lost loved ones. Without 2Wish, these intimate and personal items might never be gathered, making the boxes an invaluable resource in the healing process.

Our team had the emotional experience of meeting a family who has been supported by 2Wish after the tragic loss of their son, giving them a powerful reminder of how far-reaching the charity’s impact is. The support they offer goes beyond just emotional assistance, from organising community coffee mornings where grieving families can find comfort among others who understand their pain, to helping with everyday tasks like grocery shopping when families are too overwhelmed to leave their homes. It was evident from meeting this 2Wish family just how deeply 2Wish has become a part of their lives, and a reminder of the profoundly important work that this incredible charity and the individuals behind it continue to do every day.

The Valour Foundation is honoured to back these incredible charities, whose work profoundly improves the lives of people in our community. A huge thank you to the teams at SOS and 2Wish for giving an incredible insight into the vital, lifesaving work you do every day. Your dedication to supporting those in need is truly inspiring.