A BEREAVEMENT charity which supports families impacted by the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one has officially expanded into Somerset.

Wales-based 2wish celebrated its expansion into England at an event in Taunton yesterday (Tuesday, February 27) at Queen's College. 

Founder Rhian Mannings MBE established the charity, which will also be operating in locations such as Bristol, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Cheshire, in 2012.

Rhian was moved to help others after experiencing her own loss. Tragically, Rhian and her husband Paul lost their baby son George. Five days later, Paul took his own life, leaving Rhian and her children completely alone.

The launch celebration at Queen's College took place on the anniversary of Paul's death 12 years ago, at the very same place the couple met.

So far, the charity has supported over 1,400 families who have lost a child or young person aged 25 or under.

Rhian works with organisations such as the Police, NHS Wales and Organ Donation Wales to ensure that no grieving family is missed.

Rhian said: “We’ve seen the significant difference that we’re making to families who lose a child or young adult under certain circumstances and are proud to be able to extend our support to local communities in England.

"We have been spending time building relationships in the hospitals and police forces of bordering counties, which has been a key step.

“In order to cover the demand for this new arm of the charity, we have expanded the support team to ensure that there are staff embedded in the communities accessing the support on offer. With this team in place, we are now mirroring the support services that have been running in Wales since 2012.

"Our jobs are as incredibly hard as they are rewarding. We meet devastated families at the lowest ebb of their lives. It is a hugely traumatic time and sudden loss can have a profound effect on the mental health of parents, siblings and other family members. 

“We believe this support is essential and will prevent further families walking out into the night with no hope and no support. We are very proud that we are now able to extend this help and support to families on the English borders."

The charity has confirmed the appointments for several new roles following the expansion, including Kirstie Edwards as the bereavement services manager for England and immediate support coordinator Robin Hogg for the Somerset region.