Our Story and Mission
Who We Are
We were formed in 2021 by five daughters bereaved by Covid. At first, we believed what had happened to our loved ones was an isolated tragedy. Then we began to hear the stories of others.
From there, we grew to support around 400 families. We receive no funding beyond the costs of legal representation. We are reluctant volunteers, forced by circumstance to become experts in everything from healthcare and airborne transmission to the legal complexities of a public inquiry.
We are determined to ensure that our stories are heard — and that what happened is never repeated.
Our leadership team
Our team is made up of volunteers who have been bereaved by Covid. We are open, friendly, and make decisions by consensus wherever possible. While we do have a leadership structure (because we are legally obliged to have one), everything we do is for and on behalf of our families.
This is a new structure for us, and we hope it will grow organically over time. There will be roles for anyone who would like to get involved, and we’ll always tailor those roles around your own responsibilities, capacity and available time.
Sam Smith-Higgins
Director & Group Lead
Sam is a filmmaker and one of the 5 daughters who formed the group. Sam lives with her family in Cwmbran. She sadly lost her Dad to hospital acquired covid in January 2021. If you call our number, Sam will answer. She is also on our social media channels.
Sam in one word? Determined!
Cate Griffiths
Director & Families Lead
Cate is retired and one of the 5 who originally formed our group. Cate lives in Machynlleth and sadly, her Dad died from covid acquired in a care home in 2020. Cate is the person who keeps in close contact with our families. She is also on our social media channels. Cate is also a Welsh speaker.
Cate in one word? Compassionate!
Name TBC
Commemoration Lead
This person will lead engage with families, the Leadership team and DCMS, to continue the Covid Commemoration work.
Name TBC
Project Lead
This person will engage with families, the Leadership team, and our legal representatives to provide research and advice on all Inquiry work. They will support researchers.
Name TBC
Healthcare Lead
This person will lead our work on hospital acquired covid (Nosocomial).
Name TBC
Care Home Lead
This person will lead our work on care homes in Wales.
Join Us in Our Cause
Together We Can Make a Difference
By joining our movement, you can help ensure that the voices of Covid-bereaved families are heard and that meaningful action is taken in Wales. Support the creation of a focused inquiry that prioritises victims and seeks achievable recommendations.