Annalena’s wish to visit Peppa Pig World granted thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery
At just 3 years old, Annalena from Nottingham was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer. Aged 4 she endured nine months in and out hospital alongside gruelling, painful chemotherapy treatment, and her young childhood was taken away from her.
For almost a year, Annalena couldn't do the things other children her age did. Having a Hickman line, the line used to supply chemotherapy, and a suppressed immune system meant that her family had to take extra precautions to avoid infections. This meant that Annalena couldn't run around outside, go to the park, go swimming, or go on family holidays.
When she was too poorly to do anything else in hospital, Annalena would watch Peppa Pig, and her parents used Peppa as a means of encouragement when taking her medication.
On the day Annalena found out that she could go to Peppa Pig World, she was over the moon! This special experience was thanks to charity Make-A-Wish UK and funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Back in May Annalena, sister Sophie, mum Katrin, and dad Daren made their way from their home in Nottingham to Paulton’s Park, Hampshire, the home of Peppa Pig World. Whilst there, the family enjoyed an exclusive VIP two-night stay at the park's Forest Lodge and took in all the activities the park had to offer, their favourite being meeting Peppa Pig and George.
Annalena at Peppa Pig World with owl
“I am forever thankful for the support from players of People's Postcode Lottery; the funding you raise makes such a difference – thank you! It's very heartwarming to know that people are supporting Make-A-Wish UK so that my child gets a treat”
Thanks to the generous support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, Make-A-Wish UK has been awarded £900,000 over three years, which will help to grant thousands of wishes for critically ill children across the UK, just like Annalena’s.
"We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Thanks to the players we continue to be able to provide much needed family breaks for children just like Annalena’s, at a time when they need it most. Children deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness. “The current demand for wishes is far outpacing our best efforts to keep up so it’s taking us longer to grant wishes. Annalena’s story highlights just how much wishes provide a much-needed escape for a child from the gruelling reality of living with a critical illness and the lasting impact of a wish on the whole family"
“It’s incredible to see the difference players’ support makes to children like Annalena and their families. Her wish marks a joyful milestone after such a difficult childhood, and I’m delighted that funding raised by our players is helping Make-A-Wish UK create magical moments like this. Every wish granted is a reminder of the power of hope and happiness during the toughest times.”
