A FORMER Neyland mum who set up a charity to help others after suffering unimaginable heartbreak is returning to Pembrokeshire next week for a marathon challenge.

Rhian Mannings' world was turned upside down by the sudden death of her one year-old son George in 2012. Her husband Paul took his own life just five days later.

Rhian said: "As a family we were left alone to cope with George’s death, received no information, had no visits and felt abandoned by professionals. Nobody came, nobody called, nobody cared.

"Five days later Paul, my best friend, my rock, took his own life unable to cope and still nobody came."

Rhian has since sent up the charity 2 Wish Upon A Star, which offers bereavement support for families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a child or young adult aged 25 years and under.

Rhian added; "Every year to remember my boys, I set myself a challenge. I want to appreciate life, live it to the full whilst remembering the life that was so cruelly taken.

"In 2019, supported by two great friends, I plan to walk five marathons – 26.2 miles – in different areas of our beautiful country. Each one will represent one of the days my husband and I coped alone after Georgie’s death. For the five days we held each other, cried together and tried to come to terms with our loss. Five days I will treasure but question forever.

"We hope to involve those people who were involved in the weeks following Paul and George’s death."

The three of us aim to raise £5,000 but more importantly we are hoping to spread the ‘2 Wish’ name and raise awareness. There are many families struggling alone, not knowing about 2 Wish Upon A Star."

The Pembrokeshire leg takes in the coast path and begins in Tenby on Valentine's Day, which would have been George's eighth birthday.

The marathon walk will end at Freshwater West. Some 21 people will be raising money and awareness for 2 Wish Upon A Star.

“Starting in Pembrokeshire means so much to me as I grew up in Neyland and went to school in Haverfordwest. I have such wonderful memories of my childhood here in Pembrokeshire and to have friends old and new walking beside me will being much comfort on what will be a difficult day . George's birthday is on valentine’s day, he died a week later aged one. This walk I will be thinking of him every step of the way.”

To donate to Rhian's efforts click here.

If you need support please contact support@2wishuponastar.org or call the 2 Wish office on 01443 853125. The website, including information of what support is offered is www.2wishuponastar.org.