6. Debate on petition P-05-912 Supporting Families with Sudden and Unexpected Death in Children and Young Adults

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:48 pm on 3 November 2021.

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Photo of Lynne Neagle Lynne Neagle Labour 4:48, 3 November 2021

Thank you, acting Presiding Officer. I'd like to thank Jack Sargeant and the Petitions Committee for bringing this important petition to the floor of this Senedd today. I'd also like to thank all Members who've contributed to today's debate. Above all, though, I'd like to thank Rhian Mannings, chief executive and founder of 2 Wish, for tabling this petition, and for working so hard, over many months, which have included a global pandemic, to promote it. I know we've heard today Rhian's story that 2 Wish was set up by Rhian following the sudden death of her baby son George, a tragedy that was followed, just five days later, by the suicide of her husband Paul. It's hard for most of us to imagine the impact of the loss of her baby son and her husband on Rhian. I am personally in awe of the courage that has enabled her to come through such a devastating tragedy to work with such determination to prevent other families going through what she did.

I very much welcome this petition we are debating today. I believe support for families who unexpectedly lose a child or young adult is crucial. Coping with the death of someone special is hard for anyone, but the impact of losing a child or young person is profoundly devastating. I know just how important the kind of support provided by 2 Wish has been for so many families. Their memory boxes at hospitals provide some comfort for families at the darkest time in their lives—a time that most have had no opportunity to prepare for. The ability to offer support shortly after the bereavement or whenever that support is needed, whether that is in six months, two years or longer, is an absolute lifeline for families. Grief is a very personal thing, it is not linear, and any support needs to reflect that. As the petition says,