THE MS for Alyn and Deeside spoke of his own experiences of dealing with a sudden loss in the Senedd as a petition calling on more support for parents who suddenly lose a child was discussed.

Almost two years ago, the bereavement support charity 2Wish presented the petition to the Welsh Government urging for grief support to be put in place.

The petition, set up by 2Wish founder Rhian Mannings - who lost son George and husband Paul within a 5-day period in 2012 - collected more than 5,000 signatures.

It was debated by the Senedd's plenary committee on Wednesday, November 3.

Among Welsh politicians discussing the matter was Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant.

Four years ago, Jack lost his dad Carl - who had also been an Assembly Member (now known as MS for Member of the Senedd) for Alyn and Deeside - to suicide.

In his speech as Chair of the Senedd's Petitions Committee, Mr Sargeant cited his own personal experiences of sudden loss and said that 'no family should be left to cope on their own'.

Jack Sargeant MS said: "I’m so proud to have been able to bring this petition ‘supporting families with sudden and unexpected death in children and young adults’ forward during my first debate as Chair of the Senedd’s Petitions Committee.

“It is well documented that I have a very personal experience of suddenly losing someone very close to me with the passing of my Dad almost four years ago, but I cannot begin to imagine the grief experienced by families who lose a child.

“Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet some very special people including Rhian who has shown incredible leadership and strength, having set up the 2 Wish foundation after losing her son George and husband Paul within a 5-day period in 2012.

“I’m pleased to have received such a positive response from the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing who will be working with Rhian and providing funding to improve support for bereaved families in Wales.”

During his speech in the Senedd, Mr Sargeant added: "I can say, in the run-up to losing my dad in a tragic and sudden, unexpected event, the anniversary of four years this Sunday, anniversaries are tough and I'm struggling perhaps more than I ever have. However, it does not have to be that anniversary. The triggers can be anything, any day, and it could be because of anything.

"No family, professional or individual should be left to cope on their own.

"Families require support immediately after such loss. They need to have a point of contact if they have questions and a friendly ear to listen. You never get over the loss of your child and families need to know there is long term support in place for to help them through the grieving process.

"So many bereavement services, including those of 2 Wish (a charity set up by Rhian Mannings), are provided by charities, and the committee has received concerns about the lack of funding from the public sector for the services that these organisations provide..

"Providing support to people dealing with sudden bereavement is something we should all aspire to. Acting Presiding Officer, this is an area where Wales can set an example to other nations, and I want us all today, as Members of the Senedd, to light a candle, a candle that will give people heat and light in the darkest and coldest of circumstances."