The Child of Wales Awards 2024, set to take place at Swansea Arena on September 27, 2024, has proudly announced the two charities that will benefit from funds raised at the prestigious event: 2wish and Joseph’s Smile. Both of these charities have been set up by grieving families to honour their lost loved ones and support other families going through similar challenges.
Founded by Rhian Mannings MBE, 2wish is a bereavement charity established in memory of Rhian’s son George and husband Paul, who tragically passed away within days of each other. Motivated by her personal experience of loss, Rhian founded 2wish with a mission to ensure that all those affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult throughout Wales receive the bereavement support they deserve.
2wish’s objectives include ensuring that every Emergency Department in Wales has a suitable bereavement suite for families, providing bereavement boxes, offering immediate bereavement support, professional counselling services, and support for witnesses of sudden and traumatic deaths. Through its tireless efforts, 2wish aims to provide comfort and assistance to families during their darkest moments.
Joseph’s Smile was established in memory of Joseph Yeandle, who bravely battled stage four neuroblastoma before passing away in December 2021. The charity’s mission is to alleviate the financial burdens faced by families during their child’s illness treatment journey. Joseph’s Smile provides vital funds for medical treatment and equipment not currently available on the NHS, ensuring that families can focus on spending precious time together without the added stress of fundraising.
The charity also makes and distributes ‘Wiggly Vests’ to children diagnosed with cancer in Wales and around the UK. The vest was initially designed for Joseph and was invented to keep his Hickman Line (also known as a Wiggly) safe and secure. The Wiggly Vest prevented damage and further surgery and allowed Joseph to play freely without worry. These vests now provide other children diagnosed with cancer, the same freedom and safety that Joseph once had.
The Yeandle family’s personal challenges and dedication to supporting families affected by childhood illness were recognised when they were awarded the Child of Wales Courageous Family Award in 2023. Through Joseph’s Smile, they continue to honour Joseph’s memory by offering specialised support to families in need.
Nominations are now officially open for the Child of Wales Awards 2024, which aims to shine a bright light on the remarkable achievements and resilience of the young people of Wales while raising vital funds for 2wish and Joseph’s Smile.
The awards encompass 11 categories honouring personal courage, bravery, sporting and creative achievements, as well as the commendable efforts of children championing causes in their communities, protecting the environment, caring for others, and fundraising.
The event features partnerships with Trade Centre Wales, as Headline Sponsor, and Blue Tiger and DIY Kitchens as other major event partners, along with media sponsors, Forrest Print and Route Media.
Among the category sponsors lending their support are Ascona Group sponsoring the Bravery Award & Courageous Family, Thomas Carroll backing the Young Fundraiser category, Swansea Building Society supporting the Community Champion award, Gower College endorsing the Outstanding Charity category, Princes Gate sponsoring the Young Sporting Hero U13 award, Commonwealth Games Wales supporting the Young Sporting Hero Over 13 category, Westacres backing the Child of Courage U13 award, Mrs Bucket sponsoring the Young Leader category, Bluestone National Park Resorts endorsing the Environmental Champion award, and Owens Group supporting the Young Carer category.
Blanche Sainsbury, Founder, Child of Wales Awards, said:
“We are honoured to support 2wish and Joseph’s Smile as our chosen charities for the Child of Wales Awards 2024. Their dedication to supporting families during times of tragedy and adversity is truly commendable, and we are proud to stand alongside them in our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people across Wales.”
Rhian Mannings MBE, Founder, 2wish Charity, said:
“We are grateful for the support of the Child of Wales Awards and its commitment to recognising the importance of bereavement support for families across Wales. Together, we can ensure that no family faces the devastating loss of a child alone, and that every bereaved family receives the support and care they need during their darkest moments.”
Katy Yeandle, Founder, Joseph’s Smile Charity, said:
“Joseph’s Smile is honoured to be chosen as one of the charities supported by the Child of Wales Awards 2024. With their help, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of families affected by childhood illness, providing vital support and assistance to those in need. Together, we can ensure that families facing unimaginable challenges receive the care and support they deserve.”
