The founder of a charity that provides bereavement support for families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a child or young adult aged 25 years and under, will start a marathon walking challenge this month in Tenby.

Rhian Mannings started up the ‘2 Wish Upon A Star’ foundation after she was hit by two tragedies in short space of time.

On February 22, 2012, Rhian lost her baby son, George, who was only a year, 1 week and 1 day old. He died after suffering a seizure at home.

It was discovered later that George was suffering from Bronchial Pneumonia and Type A Influenza. Then Rhian’s husband Paul tragically died five days later, aged 33.

Rhian set up the charity in their memory and to support other parents who have suddenly suffered bereavement.

“George died suddenly in an Emergency Department in South Wales. He had no symptoms and fell ill very quickly. Our world fell apart,” she said.

“As a family we were left alone to cope with George’s death. We received no information, had no visits and felt abandoned by professionals. Nobody came, nobody called, nobody cared.

“Five days later my husband Paul, my best friend, my rock took his own life unable to cope and still nobody came.

“2 Wish was established in 2012 to support families in Wales who lose a child or young adult aged 25 years or under suddenly and traumatically. Nobody should be left alone to cope.

“Every year to remember my boys, I set myself a challenge. I want to appreciate life, live it to the full whilst remembering the life that was so cruelly taken,” continued Rhian.

In 2019, supported by two great friends, Rhian plans to walk five marathons – 26.2 miles – across different areas of Wales.

“Each one will represent one of the day’s my husband and I coped alone after Georgie’s death.

“We hope to involve those people who were involved in the weeks following Paul and George’s death. This will include police officers, hospital staff and close friends.

“The three of us aim to raise £5,000 but more importantly we are hoping to spread the ‘2 Wish’ name and raise awareness across Wales.

“There are many families struggling alone, not knowing about 2 Wish Upon A Star.

“We are starting our journey in Tenby on Thursday, February 14 which would have been George’s 8th birthday.

“A 26.2 mile walk over the cliffs and taking in the beautiful scenery to finish at Freshwater West.

“Starting in Pembrokeshire means so much to me as I grew up in Neyland and went to school in Haverfordwest.

“I have such wonderful memories of my childhood here in Pembrokeshire and to have friends old and new walking beside me will being much comfort on what will be a difficult day.

“George’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day, he died a week later aged one year old. This walk I will be thinking of him every step of the way,” she added.

After the walk covering the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Rhian and her fellow fundraisers will be taking on Snowden on May 19, Pen-y-Fan on July 13, and later in the year Anglesey on October 12, with the final walk taking place on the Gower Peninsula on November 20.

For further information on support available, contact: [email protected] or call the 2 Wish office on 01443 853125.

The website www.2wishuponastar.org has information on what support is available.

Anyone wanting to donate to the charity walks can visit - www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Rhian-Mannings19