Top 100 UK law firm, Hugh James, has been appointed by the specialist bereavement charity ‘2wish’ as its sole legal partner – to support those affected by sudden death in young people across Wales.

The charity was set up by Rhian Mannings in 2012 after tragically losing her baby son and husband within five days of each other. Its mission is to ensure that all those affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult aged 25 or under, throughout Wales, receive the bereavement support they deserve.

2wish work to ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for suddenly bereaved families and offers ongoing support to anyone affected by the sudden death of a child or young adult including families, individuals, witnesses, and professionals. They provide support in the form of memory boxes, practical support helping to arrange formalities surrounding the death, a professional counselling service and complementary and play therapies.

Hugh James is well known for its specialist legal teams who work with people faced with bereavement – whether through accidents, illness, catastrophic injury, or medical negligence. Last year, its Neurolaw team received a Claims Media Personal Injury Award for its services to those affected by brain and spinal injury. Its Medical Negligence team and Head of Division, Stephen Webber, have also been awarded by external judges in recent years, for their expertise and service to clients, often with complex needs.

Speaking of the appointment, Emma Kneebone, Head of Bereavement Services and Deputy CEO at 2Wish said today:

We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Hugh James, who are working with our support team, kindly offering pro bono legal services to our families across Wales. This is an invaluable service, and we are absolutely thrilled to be working closely with the team. Their support means the world and we thank Hugh James for helping our families, providing much-needed advice and expertise during the hardest time of their lives.

Commenting on their support, Ciaran McCabe, a Partner in the Hugh James Neurolaw team, said today:

The support 2wish provides to people suffering from bereavement and loss is second to none and it is a privilege to join forces with them to support those who use their services. Having to deal with the practical and administrative side of bereavement, at a time of traumatic loss, can be overwhelming. We’re more than happy to lend our support and walk people through these important steps, to help relieve the pressure and burden and are proud to partner with 2wish in this way.