## Cardiff Community Mourns ‘One in a Million’ Mum
A family in Cardiff is grieving the sudden loss of Amanda Cugini, described by those closest to her as “one in a million.” Amanda, affectionately known as Mandy, tragically passed away aged just 47, less than a week after returning home from a holiday in Tunisia. Her death, which took place on July 22, shocked her local community in Ely and left her loved ones searching for answers.
Amanda leaves behind her husband David, two daughters, aged 17 and 10, and a stepdaughter, 34. She was also a devoted grandmother to two boys. The precise cause of Amanda’s passing is not yet known, adding another layer of heartbreak for her family who are mourning not just her absence, but also the absence of closure.
David, Amanda’s husband, recounted the heartbreaking moment he tried to revive her. “I was with Amanda when she ran into difficulty,” he shared, noting that despite his efforts, nothing could be done. The sense of helplessness has been compounded by not yet knowing what led to her sudden demise.
Beyond her role as a mother and grandmother, Amanda’s impact was keenly felt in the wider Cardiff community. She worked at a local child care nursery and was on the cusp of qualifying as a day care nurse, reflecting her drive to support children and families around her. David, who spent 18 years married to Amanda – and knew her as a friend for a decade before that – described her as someone who always put others before herself.
“It’s a cliché, but Mandy genuinely was different,” David said. “She was always there for everyone, reaching out and making a difference you’d only realise later.” Since her passing, David has been overwhelmed by the sheer number of people coming forward with stories about how Amanda touched their lives. “I’m still meeting people for the first time who knew her and have a story to share. She truly lit up any room she entered.”
The loss has been made more difficult by the family’s recent hardships. Amanda survived the loss of her own parents and weathered the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Still, David recalls her as someone who “would find a pound and either give it all to you, or make sure at the very least you’d have half.” For her, caring for others was a way of life.
The absence left by Amanda is deeply felt by her children. “Honestly, it’s incredibly tough, and confusing,” David admitted. Evenings around the family table are now spent comforting one another, alternating between shared memories and profound sorrow. The family has found some solace trying to maintain their routines, singing and remembering Amanda as she was, but the pain is ever-present. “There are moments when we laugh at what mum would have said, and then moments when it all feels overwhelming.”
David has expressed his gratitude for the support that has surrounded the family during this heartbreaking time. The outpouring of compassion, whether from friends, neighbours, or even strangers, has provided vital comfort. In acts of kindness, local people have provided meals and generously contributed to fundraising efforts towards Amanda’s funeral costs.
“It’s made all the difference,” David said. “Our children are my focus, but the reflection of love from friends and the community—sometimes from people we barely know—is something I’ll never forget. Losing Mandy at such a young age, so suddenly, has been devastating for everyone.”
Amanda’s story has struck a chord beyond her immediate family, with many in Cardiff touched by her warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit. The collective grief and support stand as a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the lives of so many.