The family of Luis Enrique and Elena Cullel reunited at Las Mestas equestrian club to mark seven years since the death of their daughter Xana.
For the first time, the Xana Foundation set up a merchandising stand at the venue during the Las Mestas Equestrian Show. Sira Martínez, the eldest daughter of Luis Enrique, shared a photograph of the stand on social media to highlight the charity's debut at the event.
Nelly García, Xana's paternal grandmother, visited the stand to purchase a plush toy in memory of her granddaughter. Xana Martínez died in 2019 at nine years old after suffering from osteosarcoma. García said her granddaughter was a most clever girl and noted that she is registered to contribute monthly to the foundation. According to La Nueva España, García described seeing the stand in that setting as incredible and wonderful.
Foundation established to support families
The family charitable foundation was established in Barcelona in November 2023 as a non-profit organisation. Luis Enrique, a prominent football manager, and his wife Elena Cullel created the entity following the loss of their youngest daughter. Those who loved Xana decided her name should serve a wider purpose beyond private memory, with the organisation's website stating that Xana is the heart and reason for its existence.
The organisation focuses directly on families navigating a child's severe health condition. Its website states that the foundation works with commitment, rigor and sensitivity to assist families suffering the impact of a child's illness. The assistance spans the full duration of the disease, addressing care requirements for both patients and their caregivers.
Family governance and gathering at Las Mestas
The structure of the foundation relies on a board of trustees composed exclusively of family members. The organisation's website explains that the board shares values, goals and family ties because it is made up of Xana's family. This structure creates an intimate project managed directly by the individuals who experienced the illness and loss first-hand.
The gathering at the Las Mestas equestrian club brought together the extended family on the anniversary of Xana's death. Sira Martínez was accompanied by her mother, her paternal grandparents Luis Felipe Martínez and Nelly García, as well as her uncles and cousins. The entire family joined together as the equestrian club and the foundation bearing Xana's name shared a location for the first time.
