Bereavement charity 2wish has launched its 2026 men’s bereavement campaign, Let’s Talk Bereavement, to encourage more open conversations around male grief and ensure bereaved men know they do not have to face loss alone.
At the heart of the campaign is a powerful new video featuring two fathers who have experienced the devastating loss of a child and who speak candidly about their grief, the coping strategies that have helped them survive, and the life-changing support they received from 2wish.
Aaron Huxter lost his eight-year-old daughter, Olivia-Grace, suddenly last October. Speaking about his daughter, Aaron said: “She was so compassionate and so kind. You could be having the worst day and just one cuddle from her would change your entire day. And I know I’m biased because she’s mine but she was the best human I’ve ever met.”
Aaron recalls the compassionate support his family received immediately after Olivia-Grace’s death, when a nurse arrived carrying a 2wish memory box containing guidance on creating precious keepsakes.
He explained: “It’s so incredibly helpful to do those things we would never have an opportunity to do again,” referring to the opportunity to take handprints and footprints that would become treasured memories.
The campaign video also features Ian Banyard, who suddenly lost his daughter Lacey last year. He remembers his daughter as “feisty, wild, creative, imaginative, loving and caring. She was our special child, our bright light.”
Reflecting on the challenges many bereaved fathers face, he said: “Many men don’t express how they feel or show the world what’s going on inside.”
He added: “The most important thing for me was the counselling, that’s all thanks to 2wish.”
Throughout the video, both fathers speak openly about navigating unimaginable loss, the importance of seeking support, and how talking about grief has helped them begin to heal. By sharing their stories, they hope to encourage other bereaved men to reach out and reassure them that support is available.
CEO of 2wish, Rhian Mannings, whose husband Paul took his own life after the sudden death of their son George, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Aaron and Ian for so bravely sharing their stories as part of our Let’s Talk Bereavement campaign.
“We know that many men feel they have to stay strong or keep their emotions hidden after the death of a loved one, but grief affects everyone differently, and no one should have to face it alone. I obviously am keen to understand what men require following from losing Paul the way we did.
“By shining a light on male bereavement, we hope to break down the stigma that still exists around men talking about their grief and encourage more people to seek support. At 2wish, we’re here to provide that support every step of the way, and we want every bereaved man to know that help is available whenever they need it.”
