My story starts with the passing of my mother. I was 21, she was 52 and it was the single most painful experience of my entire life. Over ten years have passed, and I am only just coming to terms with how my life works without her at it's heart. 

I am so lucky to have married my best friend, who is an amazing husband and we have two happy, healthy children. They are my world. They give me all the love and support I need to know that, no matter how much is still hurts, I will be fine without her.

Losing a parent is an expectation of life. Losing a child is not. 

I know the pain of losing parent too soon, of seeing someone you love disappear before your eyes. I understand that overriding pain and ongoing despair. 

But, your child? That is something I can not bring myself to imagine.

2 Wish Upon a Star is a charity founded by Rhian Burke, these are her words...

"In February 2012 my son, George, passed away a week after his first birthday. Five days later the unimaginable happened. I lost my husband and best friend Paul. Understandably, coming to terms with this loss has been very tough emotionally both for myself and for our two young children. However, since February 2012 I have gained strength from the idea of raising money and with the help of the amazing people in our community established a very special charity named 2 Wish Upon A Star. Thank you to everyone for their overwhelming support since the tragic events of 2012. Rhian x"

The aims of 2 Wish Upon a Star are to raise funds to improve bereavement services in Wales. Emphasis will be on bereavement support for parents after losing their child suddenly and traumatically.

Our Aims

*Ensure every A and E Department in Wales has a suitable bereavement suites for bereaved relatives

*Bereavement boxes are available for parents at each of these hospitals

*Immediate bereavement support is available for parents and siblings

*To provide a professional counselling service for bereaved parents

*To work with staff through training and emotional support

www.2wishuponastar.org 

I feel this is such an important charity, as they are providing support and help when people are so broken, they can not cope alone. They have already come so far in the past few years, and continue to do such fantastic work, I am so proud to be supporting 2 Wish Upon a Star.

Thank you for reading this far, and if you feel you can spare a few pounds, I would be so very grateful. 

Those of you who know me, will know my running skills are not great. The London Marathon has been a childhood dream, when I would watch it on the tv in complete admiration of the athletes!! Then, little did I realise, I am not a naturally gifted runner and it is the single most challenging dream I could have pursued. 

Nevertheless, Rhian finds the strength everyday to get up and carry on, and she too is running this marathon... I am in complete admiration of this woman's courage, determination and love. 

I would like to thank you all for any support, through sponsorship and promoting awareness of 2 Wish Upon a Star. 

Much Love, 

Vanessa xx

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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