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News & Stories
Posted 22nd Jul 2024 in News
Through Wish 200 Week, Make-A-Wish UK is bringing together gamers, content creators and the games industry to help grant 200 wishes for critically ill children across the country. Read more
Posted 29th May 2024 in News
An audience of over 250, including some of today’s most recognised celebrity talent gathered at The Savoy, London to raise funds for Make-A-Wish UK at the A Night of Wishes 2024 Ball. Read more
Posted 29th Apr 2024 in News
To celebrate World Wish Day, players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting Make-A-Wish UK with a three-year funding promise, which will help to grant thousands of wishes. Read more
Posted 29th Apr 2024 in News
We’re thrilled to announce as part of our partnership with Joma Jewellery, the launch of A Little ‘Wish’ Bracelet. 100% of profits from this beautiful bracelet will go towards Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 13th Dec 2023 in News
To celebrate the release of #MigrationMovie, in cinemas on February 2nd, you can get yourself a limited-edition Christmas ‘Quacker’. Read more
Posted 6th Dec 2023 in News
Earlier this year, Siân, the Community Leader for Wales, decided it was time to raise some money and raise the profile of Make-A-Wish locally. She had the idea of a 'Sparkles and Wishes' dinner. Read more
Posted 23rd Nov 2023 in News
What if we told you that the Christmas gifts you choose could contribute to granting life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses? Read more
Posted 30th Oct 2023 in News
The fourth Art of Wishes Gala took place on 9th October 2023 where some of today’s most recognised artists, gallerists, and celebrity talent gathered to raise funds for Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 13th Jul 2023 in News
Following the announcement of our charity partnership with Fraser Hart to create the Make-A-Wish Bead Bracelet, we've teamed up with Savoo to help you maximise your donations to us at no extra cost! Read more
Posted 8th Jul 2023 in News
We thought you might like to hear about a truly magical job – being a Wishgranter. Read on and you’ll hear from Kerry about what it’s like to grant wishes for a living. Read more
Posted 22nd Jun 2023 in Blog, Stories
We thought you might like to hear about a truly magical job – being a Wishgranter. Read on and you’ll hear from Daniela about what it’s like to grant wishes for a living. Read more
Posted 6th Apr 2023 in News
After having her wish granted to go to Disneyland Paris in 2016, 22-year-old assisted athlete Alice Lee will be running the 2023 London Marathon with her mum, Joanne. Read more
Posted 14th Mar 2023 in News
We're very excited to welcome Fraser Hart as a Make-A-Wish UK charity partner for 2023. Read more
Posted 14th Feb 2023 in News
One way we support our TCS London Marathon team is by organising a training day. Last month we brought together our 2023 #WishHeroes for a few hours of running, socialising and training tips. Read more
Posted 4th Dec 2022 in News
350 guests gathered at Old Billingsgate on Saturday 26th November for a glamorous and emotional evening, Hosted by Stephen Mulhern, raising vital funds to help grant life-changing wishes. Read more
Posted 23rd Nov 2022 in News
With Christmas just around the corner, did you know that the gifts you buy could also help to make life-changing wishes happen for children with critical illnesses? Read more
Posted 18th Nov 2022 in News
A range of extraordinary experiences, gifts and one-of-a-kind items are now open for bidding ahead of this year’s Make-A-Wish UK Ball, which takes place November 26th 2022. Read more
Posted 2nd Nov 2022 in News, Disney
We're excited to announce that, for the third year running, Disney is supporting Make-A-Wish through its holiday campaign ‘From our Family to Yours’. Read more
Posted 26th Aug 2022 in News
Hosted by the fabulous team at Bear Grylls Adventure Park, 14 wish families were recently invited to attend a day full of fun and adventure, to celebrate our new Wish Alumni program. Read more
Posted 7th Jul 2022 in News
14-year-old Angel, who has endured years of hospitalisation due to two different birth defects, has had her wish to stay at Shangri-La The Shard, London, granted thanks to our new partnership. Read more
Posted 9th Jun 2022 in News, Stories
Born with only half a working heart the future is uncertain for George, but his wish to ‘be a Ghostbuster for the day’ will help light the way for him and his family. Read more
Posted 27th May 2022 in Case Study, Stories
When Simon Cross first began supporting Make-A-Wish UK in February 2009, he could never have foreseen that, just a few years later, his own daughter Hannah would be in need of a wish. Read more
Posted 4th Apr 2022 in News
On 4th April 2022, we launched an ambitious new fundraising campaign to help grant every single wish that is still waiting across the UK by World Wish Day on 29th April 2022. Read more
Posted 23rd Mar 2022 in Blog
Two years on from the first lockdown, Make-A-Wish UK's CEO, Jason Suckley reflects on how we've had to learn and adapt as an organisation, in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Read more
Posted 21st Feb 2022 in Blog, Stories
Anthony has turned his extraordinary near-death experience into an opportunity to inspire others. As such, he was kind enough to give us a rare in-person motivational talk at our Reading Hub. Read more
Posted 2nd Feb 2022 in Blog, Case Study, Stories
You’ve heard of the phrase ‘walking encyclopaedia’? Well Lindsey Thurlow is a running one! There’s not much she doesn’t know about choosing a challenge, maximising fundraising, and staying nourished. Read more
Posted 2nd Dec 2021 in News
On 20th November 2021, STARboard, our Children and Young People's Board, met for the first time in person at our Hub in Reading after working together virtually for 18 months. It was a jam-packed day. Read more
Posted 23rd Nov 2021 in Blog
Zahra, sister of wish child Sophia, tells us about the impact of her sister's wish and how creative writing has helped her cope with the pressures that serious illness can place on the whole family. Read more
Posted 22nd Nov 2021 in News
Our new #LightUpTheDarkness advert is the first time we've tried to visually represent the challenges faced by those we support. Read about how the creative team at Bubble TV brought it to life. Read more
Posted 15th Nov 2021 in News
Make-A-Wish UK launches moving new campaign film in bid to grant thousands more wishes. Read more
Posted 3rd Nov 2021 in News, Disney
Disney have launched a magical festive campaign sequel, 'From Our Family To Yours', in support of Make-A-Wish. "The Stepdad" is an animated tale about the power of family togetherness and storytelling Read more
Posted 2nd Nov 2021 in News
Make-A-Wish UK is once again one of the beneficiary charities of Next’s range of gorgeous charity cards. Available in store and on-line, there's a fantastic choice of charity cards to choose from. Read more
Posted 20th Oct 2021 in News
eBay for Charity and Make-A-Wish UK have teamed up this October to raise vital funds to bring the sunshine to seriously ill children by encouraging their customers to sell pre-loved tech. Read more
Posted 18th Oct 2021 in News
The Art of Wishes 2021 Gala surpassed all expectations to become Make-A-Wish UK's biggest ever fundraiser. Read more
Posted 7th Oct 2021 in News
We're delighted that our partnership with Poundland, Tommy's and Whizz-Kidz under the Poundland Foundation has again been shortlisted in the Corporate Engagement Awards. Read more
Posted 5th Oct 2021 in News
This World Teacher’s Day, we’d like to highlight just one brilliant school of many which have raised funds to grant life-changing wishes to children who have critical conditions. Read more
Posted 24th Sep 2021 in News
Make-A-Wish introduces #FairyWorldOfWishes with Fairy and Fairy Non Bio. Read more
Posted 14th Sep 2021 in News, Disney, Stories
We’re back to witnessing children’s smiling faces in person! We’re back to granting Disney character wishes! And we’re back to being able to show you the impact of wishes again! Read more
Posted 17th Aug 2021 in News, GameStars
July 2021 saw the first ever #Wish100Week, bringing together the gaming community with one goal - to grant 100 life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Read more
Posted 14th Jul 2021 in News
The latest update, as at July 2021, on the impact of the last 16 months on the charity and our ability to continue granting wishes. Read more
Posted 1st Apr 2021 in News, Disney
We're delighted to announce that our very special partnership with The Walt Disney Company last Christmas #FromOurFamilyToYours has won, not one, but two awards at The Drum Digital Advertising Awards. Read more
Posted 31st Mar 2021 in Blog
Like many other charities, Make-A-Wish is indebted to its incredible fundraisers for the gargantuan efforts they go to, to help us grant wishes. We couldn’t do it without our #WishHeroes. Read more
Posted 8th Mar 2021 in News
The latest update, as March 2021, from Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason Suckley on the impact of the last 12 months on the charity and our ability to continue granting wishes. Read more
Posted 3rd Mar 2021 in Blog, Stories
Last December, we granted Bluebelle’s wish ‘to have a laptop’ because she loves writing stories. Blue, now seven, has kindly shared one of her tall tales especially for #WorldBookDay. Read more
Posted 12th Jan 2021 in Blog, News
2020 was certainly a year like no other! In difficult and uncertain times, it's more important than ever that we take a moment to reflect on the positive things we've achieved. Read more
Posted 11th Dec 2020 in News
Give back when you do your Christmas shopping this year by using Savoo's Christmas gift guide. For every purchase made from the gift guide, a donation will be made to Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 8th Dec 2020 in News
Next Retail are supporting Make-A-Wish again this year through the sale of their Xmas charity cards. We are one of 5 charities who receive an equal share of 15% of the full retail price of the cards. Read more
Posted 19th Nov 2020 in News
Our four-way partnership with retailer Poundland and two other children’s charities has been recognised at Communicate magazine’s annual Corporate Engagement Awards. Read more
Posted 16th Nov 2020 in News
We are delighted to announce that Oliver Cookson, entrepreneur and founder of Myprotein, has joined us as a patron of Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 12th Nov 2020 in Blog, News
Eszter tells us all about her role as a Wishgranter at Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 23rd Oct 2020 in Stories
One of the first steps in a child's wish journey is their wish visit, where our team of dedicated volunteer Wish Visitors capture their wish. Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason is one of those volunteers. Read more
Posted 7th Oct 2020 in Blog, News
Amy tells us all about her role as a Wishgranter at Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 7th Sep 2020 in News
Charities rely on trust and goodwill. Sadly, some people try to exploit this. We explain how you can be sure that the money you're donating is definitely going towards granting wishes. Read more
Posted 26th Aug 2020 in News
We exist to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. That is why it is so important that every child has equal access to a wish. Read more
Posted 18th Aug 2020 in News, Stories
Former rugby player, Jasper Gordon, from Nottingham, has cycled 1000km in 36 days to raise money for Make-A-Wish UK - and lost a few pounds in the process. Read more
Posted 22nd Jul 2020 in News
Nine-year-old Chloe has cerebral palsy; however, she doesn't let this hold her back and recently completed her latest challenge - running 20k in 20 days, to raise money for Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 22nd Jul 2020 in Blog
Last week the STARboard members were given the opportunity to grill Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason Suckley. Find out what questions they had in store for him. Read more
Posted 2nd Jul 2020 in News
The latest update, as at 1st July 2020, from Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason Suckley on the impact of the virus on the charity and our ability to continue granting wishes. Read more
Posted 11th Jun 2020 in News
We’re absolutely delighted to have partnered with The Luna Drive In Cinema, the UK’s leading open-air cinema, offering film fans the opportunity to watch new and classic movies in a drive-in setting. Read more
Posted 10th Jun 2020 in News
Sign up to fundraise with GameStars for Father’s Day today and spend some quality time gaming as a family whilst raising money to grant life-changing wishes. Read more
Posted 1st Jun 2020 in News
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering and we just wanted to say a huge thanks to our amazing volunteers. Read more
Posted 29th May 2020 in News
Around 1700 seriously ill children, whose wishes are on hold due to the coronavirus, have received surprise goody bags thanks to our partnership with the supermarket Morrisons. Read more
Posted 26th May 2020 in News
The latest update, as at 26th May 2020, from Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason Suckley on the impact of the virus on the charity and our ability to continue granting wishes. Read more
Posted 11th May 2020 in News
Fairy and Make-A-Wish have been working together for 14 years and this year is no exception. Fairy invited wish children to design a limited edition bottle to bring their own wish to life. Read more
Posted 30th Apr 2020 in News
During these difficult times, Ant and Dec would like to send a message of hope to the 2,000 children whose #WishesAreWaiting. Read more
Posted 3rd Apr 2020 in News
The latest update, as at 3rd April 2020, from Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason Suckley on the impact of the virus on the charity and our ability to continue granting wishes. Read more
Posted 1st Apr 2020 in Stories
Make-A-Wish volunteer and former wish child, Mark has first-hand knowledge of the positive impact that a wish can have on a child and their family. Read more
Posted 16th Mar 2020 in News
An update from Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason Suckley on the impact of the virus on the charity and our ability to continue granting wishes. Read more
Posted 10th Mar 2020 in Stories
Wish child and Make-A-Wish volunteer, Imi shares her story, highlighting just how powerful a wish can be and how they can give a child the strength they need to keep going when things seem hopeless. Read more
Posted 8th Mar 2020 in Stories
Wish mum, Natalie shares the story of her family's journey and how her daughter's wish has had a long-lasting, positive effect on their whole family. Read more
Posted 27th Feb 2020 in News, GameStars
On Tuesday 18th February, YouTuber Syndicate – also known as Tom Cassell - supported us in launching our new fundraising initiative, GameStars, at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. Read more
Posted 7th Feb 2020 in News
We're delighted to announce that we've launched STARboard, our very own Children and Young People’s Board! Read more
Posted 17th Jan 2020 in Stories
Padraig, whose brother Tony was referred to Make-A-Wish when he was living with retinoblastoma, shares his story and tells us why he's supporting Make-A-Wish in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Read more
Posted 17th Jan 2020 in Stories
Dawn, shares her experience as a Paediatric Oncology Nurse and tells us why she's supporting Make-A-Wish in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Read more
Posted 13th Jan 2020 in Stories
Lucy, who had her wish to meet the GB hockey team granted when she was 14 years old, shares her story and tells us why she's supporting Make-A-Wish in this year's London Landmarks Half Marathon. Read more
Posted 18th Dec 2019 in News
Episode two of Make a Wish for Christmas, the Channel 5 documentary about Make-A-Wish, aired at 8pm on 18th December. Read more
Posted 12th Dec 2019 in News
Episode one of Make a Wish for Christmas, the Channel 5 documentary about Make-A-Wish, aired at 9pm on 12th December. Read more
Posted 11th Dec 2019 in Blog, News
Meet one of our Wishgranters, Nicola! Read more
Posted 11th Dec 2019 in Blog, News
Tom tells us all about his role as a Wishgranter at Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 11th Dec 2019 in Blog, News
Vicky tells us all about her role as a Wishgranter at Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 10th Dec 2019 in Blog, News
Michaela (aka. Micky!) tells us all about her role as a Wishgranter at Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 5th Dec 2019 in News
Find out all about the work we do in this Channel 5 documentary. The first episode airs at 9pm on Thursday 12th December, 2019. Read more
Posted 1st Dec 2019 in News
We've picked our favourite 2019 Christmas gifts in aid of Make-A-Wish. Make a real difference this Christmas and help us to grant a seriously ill child's One True Wish. Read more
Posted 18th Oct 2019 in News
It's that time of the year again...our Christmas Cards are here! Get ahead of the December rush AND help grant wishes this Christmas by grabbing a pack or 2 of our new 2019 xmas cards! Read more
Posted 11th Oct 2019 in Blog
We caught up with Make-A-Wish UK CEO, Jason Suckley to find out a little more about who he is and what working for Make-A-Wish means to him. Read more
Posted 6th Sep 2019 in Stories
We’d like to give a hat-tip to chauffeur Edmund De Souza – one of our unsung Wish Heroes! Read more
Posted 5th Sep 2019 in Blog
Make-A-Wish Regional Fundraising Manager, Nikki is celebrating 20 years in remissions from leukaemia. She tells us what this means to her and her family. Read more
Posted 2nd Sep 2019 in Blog, News
Make-A-Wish team member, Tequilla tells us all about what it's like to be a Wishgranter. Read more
Posted 7th Aug 2019 in Blog
Volunteer Wish Visitor Alli tells us all about why she's chosen to give a gift in her Will to help life-changing wishes to more children. Read more
Posted 24th Jul 2019 in Blog
Nikki is the Regional Fundraising Manager for Central England and former wish child. Find out more about how she is helping grant wishes in her community. Read more
Posted 24th Jul 2019 in News
Make-A-Wish UK and Disney store joins forces to unlock wishes when wish child Jasmine meets her favourite princess, Jasmine, from Aladdin. Read more
Posted 26th Jun 2019 in Disney
Ten-year-old fundraiser Emily from Maguiresbridge in Northern Ireland has received a huge Disney-shaped thank you from Make-A-Wish after she raised more than £20,000 for us. Read more
Posted 20th Jun 2019 in Blog
Grace is Regional Fundraising Manager for Northern England, find out more about Grace and her role in changing lives. Read more
Posted 20th Jun 2019 in Case Study
We receive no government funding so we rely on partnerships to keep delivering life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. Read more
Posted 18th Jun 2019 in News
This month, Make-A-Wish® UK celebrated a year since moving to new offices - our Community Hub halfway up Thames Tower in Reading. Read more
Posted 18th Jun 2019 in News
Four-year-old Daniel from Cairneyhill in Scotland was born with renal failure and became Scotland’s youngest dialysis patient when he was just 10 months old. Read more
Posted 10th Jun 2019 in Stories
You’ve applied for a wish for your child and found out you’re eligible. Welcome to a world of possibility! So, what do you do now? Read more
Posted 10th Jun 2019 in Blog, News
Wishgranter Hollie tells us all about what it's like to be a Wishgranter Read more
Posted 10th Jun 2019 in Blog, News
Vicky's worked as a Wishgranter for two years, read all about Vicky's role in helping create life-changing wishes. Read more
Posted 10th Jun 2019 in Blog, News
Erica tells us all about her role as a Wishgranter at Make-A-Wish UK. Read more
Posted 8th Jun 2019 in News
These are the volunteers who have been recognised by their colleagues for their contribution to Make-A-Wish and outstanding attitude in all they do. Read more
Posted 3rd Jun 2019 in Stories
They say not all heroes wear capes. But there’s a hidden army of volunteers who make wishes happen and some of them do wear a superhero cape sometimes! One of those people is Paul Blakebrough. Read more
Posted 28th May 2019 in Blog, News
Christmas is a magical time for any child so it’s no surprise that, when asked “what would your One True Wish be?”, many of our wish children would like nothing more than to meet Father Christmas. Read more
Posted 22nd May 2019 in Blog, News
On Saturday 11th May, Make-A-Wish UK held our annual Spring Ball at The Landmark Hotel and it truly was one for the books raising over £300,000 gross to help us grant life-changing wishes! Read more
Posted 16th May 2019 in Blog, News
Disney and Will Smith surprise wish children at singing lesson in London Read more
Posted 16th May 2019 in Blog, News
The story behind Miles for Wishes - Guy's challenge Read more
Posted 8th May 2019 in News
In March 2019, Adnan’s wish to have The Lion King perform at his fifth birthday came true. Read more
Posted 3rd May 2019 in News
Nikki's family has felt the impact of a wish. Now in her thirties, Nikki works at Make-A-Wish as a Regional Fundraising Manager - a role that she describes as her "dream job"! Read more
Posted 16th Apr 2019 in News
Wishes bring hope, strength and resilience to the seriously ill children who turn to us. Throughout April, on #WishWednesday, we shared stories of wish children who we'd caught up. Read more
Posted 11th Apr 2019 in News
Spa pool wishes have a life-changing impact on the seriously ill children who wish for them. We've put together this blog of feedback from families who've seen the impact first-hand. Read more
Posted 22nd Jan 2019 in News
Good deeds come in all shapes and sizes. Last week we received a very heart-warming letter from nine-year-old Luke who did his own good deed to help seriously ill children. Read more
Posted 9th Jan 2019 in News
The Kentown Wizard Foundation has supported Make-A-Wish UK for three years now, helping to grant life-changing wishes to children living in the North of the UK. Read more
Posted 7th Jan 2019 in News
We’re excited to share that in 2018, for the first time in Make-A-Wish UK history, we changed the lives of more than 1,000 children by granting more wishes than ever before. Read more
Posted 19th Dec 2018 in News
In November, we kicked off the Christmas season with our annual Winter Ball at The Dorchester and it truly was a night to remember! Read more
Posted 13th Nov 2018 in Blog
In October 2018, hJoshua's wish to visit LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort was granted. Afterwards, wish mum, Sarah, wrote in to Wishgranter Becky to tell us all about his wish! Read more
Posted 23rd Aug 2018 in News
Summer’s a busy time for us here at Make-A-Wish UK, so we wanted to give you a snippet of some of the life-changing wishes we've granted this summer. Read more
Posted 16th May 2018 in Blog, News
Wish mum, Alison, tells us all about her daughter, Poppy's wish to go to Disneyland. Read more
Posted 19th Apr 2018 in News
This Sunday, more than 40,000 people will take on the world-famous 26.2 mile route of the London Marathon 2018, and 300 of those will be running for Make-A-Wish. Read more
Posted 1st Feb 2018 in Blog
Carys’ wish to go to Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon was granted in October last year. She wrote to us afterwards to tell us all about her wish – and we wanted to share it with you all! Read more
Posted 4th Jan 2018 in News
Wishgranter, Steph, went on a trip to Lapland before Christmas to experience first-hand the magical Lapland wishes that we grant and to see the wish through the eyes of our wish families... Read more
Posted 16th Jun 2017 in News, Stories
Lizelle is one of our amazing supporters, who has raised £4,700 to go towards Rebekah's wish to own a special buggy! Read more
Posted 14th Oct 2016 in Blog, News
We've rounded up some amazing accessible family days out with the kids. We've got lots of ideas: from outdoor activities, theme parks and even winter sports - check out our advice. Read more
Posted 22nd Oct 2015 in News
Since 1986 we've granted the wishes of 10,000 children and young people living with life-threatening conditions. Read more