Rhian Mannings, the founder of the Welsh charity 2wish Cymru, has been recognised by the Pride of Britain awards for her outstanding work in supporting bereaved families. After experiencing the sudden and tragic loss of her son and husband in 2012, Rhian set up the charity to provide immediate and ongoing support to those affected by the unexpected loss of a child or young person under 25.
2wish offers services such as memory boxes, emotional and practical support, counselling, play therapy, group support, and residential retreats. Working closely with hospitals and emergency services, the charity ensures that families in distress are not left alone during their darkest hours. Since its inception in 2012, 2wish has helped over 1,000 families across Wales, making a significant impact in the community.
Rhian Mannings received a Pride of Britain award in 2020, acknowledging her dedication and commitment to helping others in their time of need. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed humility and gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the importance of raising awareness about sudden bereavement in children and young people.
In light of the challenging financial climate for charities, Rhian highlighted the significance of donations and funding, especially for smaller organisations like 2wish. She commended the Pride of Britain Fund’s initiative to provide grants to local heroes and charities, offering essential support to community-based initiatives.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Pride of Britain awards, the Pride of Britain Fund has allocated £100,000 to empower local heroes across the country. Grants ranging from £500 to £2,500 are available for individuals or groups making a positive impact in their communities. Applicants can either seek funding for their own projects or nominate deserving recipients for consideration.
The final decision on grant recipients will be made by local communities nationwide, allowing residents to vote for the initiatives they believe deserve support. For those interested in applying for funding or nominating a local hero, an online form is available on the Pride of Britain website.
Rhian Mannings’ dedication to supporting bereaved families through 2wish Cymru serves as a beacon of hope and compassion in the face of adversity. Her contribution to the community has been recognised and celebrated, inspiring others to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing loss and grief.