Diolch, acting Llywydd, and diolch to Jack for your contribution in opening today's debate. As a new Member of the Senedd and a new member of the Petitions Committee, I'd like to start by saying just how important petitions are, not only to us as Senedd Members, but for residents living across all four corners of Wales. We—. Sorry, not to only to us as the Senedd Members, but for residents living across all four corners of Wales. We speak to and support our constituents every day, but for me petitions are the best way of knowing what matters most to the people we represent in this Chamber.

Today's petition, 'Supporting Families with Sudden and Unexpected Death in Children and Young Adults', reached over 5,500 signatures, which just goes to show the immense strength of feeling, and is testament to the incredible work provided by the charity 2 Wish Upon A Star. 

I'd like to echo the words of Jack Sargeant in paying tribute to the petitioner, Rhian Mannings. I was fortunate enough to meet Rhian when she visited the Senedd to discuss the petition. I was absolutely heartbroken listening to Rhian's story. Walking out into the dark of night with no offer of support is a feeling no family that has just lost their child or young adult should have to endure. I was humbled by her strength and determination.

Consumed in grief, Rhian created the charity 2 Wish Upon A Star with the objective of providing support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 or under. It takes real courage to find light in such darkness. 2 Wish has been Rhian's light, and thanks to her tireless work 2 Wish is now the light for so many other families who've lost loved ones.

We use the word 'support' a lot, and I think we sometimes forget exactly what support looks and feels like, and the impact it has on those on the receiving end. Support from 2 Wish Upon A Star begins with the immediate offer of a memory box. And, upon the bereaved granting consent, 2 Wish will be sitting down with their families or individuals in their living rooms, and will maintain weekly contact until the support is no longer required.

The charity is able to provide this invaluable package of support through working in partnership with all health boards, hospitals, police forces, coroners and mental health teams across Wales. It's absolutely heartbreaking that some families are currently deprived of this service; it simply isn't fair. I can't emphasise enough the importance of the provision 2 Wish provides, and the difference the charity's aims and objectives, outlined in this booklet, would make to bereaved families across Wales.

Having created my own charity, I understand just how difficult it can be to obtain grant funding. The constant worry of trying to obtain the grant funding can sometimes take away from the provision you are trying to provide. Such important provision, provided by 2 Wish, needs the funding it deserves, and I would urge the Minister to seriously consider the petition's request.