Our Charity 2WishUponAStar.org

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Today I remember Paul Burke, the family he should have seen growing up and the life he was supposed to have.

When George Burke suddenly died aged just 1 year old, Rhian and Paul were left to cope by themselves. Paul would be here today if he had had the support he needed and deserved, support that the charity 2 Wish Upon A Star now provides.

“Immediate and ongoing bereavement support for families, individuals and professionals affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult aged 25 or under.”

Paul was a good friend of mine and I have proudly supported the charity in private capacity with an annual charity hockey match, involving alumni of University College, London and the broader University of London community and I’m now delighted to support the charity via Inspiring Dads.

The third UN Global Goal for Sustainable Development is “Good Health And Well-Being” and I pledge 1% of Inspiring Dads sales value to help fund the incredibly valuable and important work that Rhian Mannings and her 2wishuponastar team do for families across Wales.

Rhian kindly allowed me to share her words

“I never thought I would be affected by someone taking their own life. It happened to other people. I will never ever come to terms with the fact that Paul walked out and never came home. However, I truly believe I am fortunate to know why. Many never find out why their child, brother, sister, parent or friend took their own life.

To lose someone you love more than words messes with your head and heart beyond words. To lose a child, breaks you beyond description and he couldn't cope. He couldn't cope with what we saw the night we lost George, he couldn't cope with the fact he, as a Daddy, couldn't make George better and following his death, make us feel better.

What I do know is that support at the time of George's death did not exist. When George was born we had so much support from so many agencies and professionals but after our beautiful boy died - NOTHING!!! If Paul had received support I believe he would be here today watching his children grow up.

That is why 2 Wish Upon A Star is so important. That is why reaching out to people at the most difficult times is important. By being there for those who need and deserve support I hope we can prevent another Daddy (or Mummy) walking out and never coming home!!!!!! xxx”