Little ball raises £24k for charity to help bereaved

A LEADING South Wales bereavement charity has raised more than £24,000 at its annual Little Ball of Hope – smashing last year’s total of £18,000.

The charity 2 Wish Upon a Star was set up by Rhian Burke after she lost her baby son and husband within five days of each other in 2012.

It now works with every health board and police force in Wales and has supported more than 170 families, thanks to fundraising efforts like the ball.

The latest event was held at the Celtic Manor Hotel on Saturday and saw more than 320 people attend in full masquerade ball attire.

The evening also featured a performance from Côr Seren, a choir comprising of 2 Wish Upon A Star volunteers and supported families.

The funds were raised through ticket sales, a raffle and an auction, with all proceeds from the ball to be used to support bereaved families.

Rhian gave an emotional opening speech on the night where she spoke of 2 Wish’s ongoing work.

Speaking after the event Rhian, from Miskin, Pontyclun, said: “Our annual Little Ball of Hope was again a fantastic success thanks to the hard work of our staff and volunteers. This is the fifth time we have held the ball, which has again seen our biggest ever turnout.

“This year has seen the charity make some great strides as we now work with every health board in Wales and recently celebrated five years of making a difference. We also recently opened the Royal Glamorgan Hospital family room – a very personal milestone for myself as it was the hospital where I lost my son George.”

Rhian added: “There is plenty to look forward to in the year ahead and lots more work to be done. The charity will be meeting with cabinet ministers to discuss expanding our services; we are looking to open a North Wales base, and are offering more and more counselling services across the country.

“We continue to increase our efforts to ensure no family in Wales is left behind or without support – that is why we were created and that is what we will endeavour to achieve.”

2 Wish Upon A Star was first established five years ago to raise money for the improvement of bereavement services for families who have suffered the sudden loss of a child.

The money raised for the charity goes towards helping those who are in need of immediate shock and trauma support and to improve the bereavement facilities in local hospitals and Accident and Emergency departments.

For more information about 2 Wish Upon A Star please visit www. 2wishuponastar.org or Facebook.com/ 2wishuponastar or Twitter @2wishupon