A father from Wales, who lost his infant daughter in a heartbreaking accident outside a hospital, has opened up about the lasting trauma he faces and the lengths he’s going to in order to honour her memory. In June 2023, Rob Hall’s life was irrevocably altered when his eight-month-old baby girl, Mabli Cariad Hall, died following a tragic collision just outside Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest. The event, which unfolded as the family were coping with another loss, has propelled Rob to confront one of his own deepest fears for a cause close to his heart.
The family had travelled to the hospital as Rob’s mother was spending her final hours there. In what was supposed to be a moment of solace—taking Mabli for a brief walk—disaster struck. Within minutes, a car veered off the road, mounting the pavement and crashing into Rob, his brother, and little Mabli, who had only just been settled into her pushchair. The child was rushed back into the hospital, and later transferred to facilities in Cardiff and Bristol for further treatment, but tragically passed away four days after the incident.
During this unimaginable time, Rob faced the double blow of losing both his baby daughter and his mother in a matter of days. He describes the impact as “too much to process,” a pain compounded by the circumstances in which both losses occurred. “The trauma of it all is actually too much to process, to even begin to describe,” he shared, highlighting the ongoing hardship he and his family face each day.
The driver responsible for the crash, Bridget Curtis from Begelly, Pembrokeshire, was sentenced to four years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. The term was later reduced to three years on appeal, a decision that has continued to stir public emotions around the case and the difficulties many families face in their pursuit of justice and closure after such devastating events.
Despite his fear of heights, Rob is now gearing up to complete a skydiving challenge above Swansea, aiming to raise further support for the charity 2 Wish. This organisation offers meaningful assistance to families affected by the sudden or unexpected death of a child or young person—a cause that has become deeply personal to Rob and his loved ones. Joining him in the sky will be two close friends, Wayne James and Callum McPhee, whose support has been pivotal throughout the Hall family’s journey.
Rob and his supporters have already raised significant funds for 2 Wish, with nearly £30,000 collected in Mabli’s name. Their latest goal is to add at least £2,500 to that total through the upcoming skydive. “It’s very important to us to keep Mabli’s name alive,” Rob explained. “It was one of the first things I said to my family and friends the day she passed—that we will always have Mabli with us, and we will keep her name alive through supporting others.”
This latest fundraising effort carries extra significance for Rob, who until now has been unable to participate in physical challenges due to the injuries he suffered during the collision. Since the tragedy, however, his determination to preserve his daughter’s memory and to contribute meaningfully to the work of 2 Wish has been undiminished.
“The 2 Wish charity has been absolutely amazing with us and for many other families,” Rob emphasised. He describes the support received as invaluable, adding: “It’s a family charity you hope you never need help from, but when tragedy strikes, it is there to offer the right care and understanding during the hardest times.”
Through his courage, Rob Hall is not only paying tribute to the short but impactful life of his daughter but also inspiring others in similar situations to seek hope and solidarity. As the day of the skydive approaches, the Hall family is inviting others to join them in raising awareness and funds in Mabli’s memory, ensuring her legacy endures for years to come. Those wishing to contribute to the 2 Wish charity in Mabli Cariad Hall’s name can still do so and help support bereaved families across Wales.