Public and Key Note Speaker
Rhian Mannings MBE is a compelling and courageous keynote speaker whose story of personal tragedy and resilience has inspired audiences across the UK. As the founder of 2wish, Rhian channels her lived experience into powerful talks on grief, mental health, and the importance of compassionate support. Her impact has been recognised with an MBE for services to bereavement support and the Pride of Britain Award. Rhian has shared her journey in the BBC documentary Mind Over Marathon, and continues to challenge herself physically and emotionally, including trekking to Everest Base Camp, to raise awareness and inspire others. Whether speaking to healthcare professionals, corporate audiences, or community groups, Rhian brings authenticity, empathy, and hope to every stage she steps onto.
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My Story
Back in 2012 Paul, my husband, and I had everything. Three children and a wonderful life. I had been teaching PE for 12 years and I wanted for nothing. I took every moment for granted and lived a happy and fulfilled life.
On the 22nd February 2012 my youngest son George died suddenly, five days after his 1st birthday, leaving our family in shock and despair. Five days later on the 27th February, Paul, my husband and best friend took his own life. Life was never going to be the same for my children and l. As a family we were abandoned by a system with nobody reaching out to comfort or support us and I fell deeper into a hole of grief and trauma.
Happiness, Heartbreak, Hope
I speak with heartfelt honesty about bereavement and mental health, drawing on my own journey to help others feel less alone. My passion lies in inspiring hope where it’s needed most—showing that even in the darkest times, light can return. With years of keynote speaking experience, I create warm, compassionate spaces where people feel seen, heard, and uplifted. My talks are more than words, they’re a call to action, a source of comfort, and a reminder that healing is possible.
Happiness
Heartbreak
Hope
Before the heartbreak of 2012, life was full of light and laughter. With three beautiful children filling the house with joy, every day felt like a gift, messy mornings, giggles in the garden, bedtime stories and sleepy cuddles. There was a deep sense of purpose and love, a rhythm to life that felt safe and whole. Paul and George were part of that heartbeat,steady, strong, and full of warmth. Happiness wasn’t just a feeling, it was woven into the everyday moments, the dreams for the future, and the simple truth that everything worth living for was right there, at home.
Then came the heartbreak that shattered everything. Losing Paul and George in 2012 tore through the very core of life, leaving behind a silence that no words could fill. The pain was relentless,raw, suffocating, and unimaginable. One moment, there was a home full of laughter and love; the next, a void so deep it felt endless. The devastation wasn’t just emotional, it was physical, spiritual, and all-consuming. Every breath hurt, every sunrise felt cruel, and the world became unrecognisable. The dreams, the plans, the everyday joys,all gone in an instant. It was grief beyond measure, a heartbreak that changed everything.
And then, from the depths of grief, came a flicker of hope. Setting up 2wish was born from unimaginable pain, but it became a powerful legacy for Paul and George ,a way to ensure that no other family would face such loss alone. It was a mission built on love, resilience, and the belief that even in the darkest moments, something meaningful could grow. Raising the children without their dad was never easy, but every step forward was guided by strength and the memory of what had been. And in time, love found its way back in. Rebuilding life, remarrying, and rediscovering joy didn’t erase the sorrow, but it proved that hope can coexist with heartbreak, that healing is possible, and that legacy can be a light for others.
2wish is a charity born from heartbreak, created to ensure that no family faces the sudden death of a child or young adult alone. Founded in memory of Paul and George, 2wish provides immediate and ongoing support to those affected by traumatic loss, working closely with emergency services, hospitals, and communities across Wales and many areas of England. Through compassion, practical help, and a commitment to breaking the silence around grief and mental health, 2wish brings hope where it’s needed most, turning tragedy into a legacy of care, connection, and healing.
Jenine Gill
Testimonials
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If you're interested in booking Rhian Manning MBE for a keynote speech, panel discussion, or public event, we’d love to hear from you. Rhian is available for engagements across the UK and internationally, and speaks to audiences in healthcare, education, corporate, and community settings.
To check availability, discuss your event, or request further information, please get in touch here or email
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- Rhian Mannings MBE - Public and Keynote Speaker - My Site