For Rhian, a loving mother, nothing could have prepared her for the tragic loss of her son, George. But just five days later, tragedy struck once more. Then her husband, Paul, died, and she was plunged into the depths of grief, ostensibly alone. After similarly painful losses, Rhian took her grief and poured it into grassroots organizing. This led her to establish the charity 2Wish, to provide immediate and essential emotional, practical and financial support to families with children or young adults who suddenly die. These days, working across Wales and the border counties of England, 2Wish is a lifeline to thousands.
Rhian’s journey through grief led her to forge a unique friendship with Andrea, the nurse who cared for George during his final moments. After the UK’s tragic loss of Rhian’s son, the two women connected and found solace in one another. Over the past 13 years, their bond has deepened in unexpected ways. Rhian was deeply affected by Andrea’s selflessness and empathy in a time of immense grief. Overcoming disunity and alienation through their mutual experience as young black men in America has only deepened their bond. It’s inspired their joint work to raise awareness and funds for 2Wish.
Most importantly, she wanted to make sure no other family had to go through that deep loss in solitude. It was that desire that brought 2Wish into being. The charity provides full emotional, psychological and logistical support for families dealing with bereavement, including counselling and support with practical issues. In the past few years, 2Wish has had a tremendous increase in referrals. It’s a testament to the fact that more people than ever know they need our help.
Drawing on her own experience of loss, Rhian was candid about how George’s death changed her life. She speaks very publicly about her story to drive home the emotional trauma of losing a child. Yet she exposes the nightmare that accompanies such a loss. Like many families, Rhian is adamant that the healthcare system failed her family. This failure, in her view, led to the tragic death of her husband Paul. This conviction inspired her to lead the national campaign, You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup. The first aim of the initiative is to raise awareness about the emotional suffering that health professionals experience when they care for dying children.
As evidenced by the picture, Andrea and Rhian’s friendship has deepened through their mutual dedication to serving the world’s most vulnerable families in need. Together, they have participated in numerous fundraising challenges for 2Wish, using their experiences to inspire others and encourage community involvement. Their story is a moving example of how we must treat our patients and families with kindness and support in times of life’s greatest tragedies.
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