Make-A-Wish UK calls for more volunteers in Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester

This Volunteers Week (2nd - 8th June 2025) Make-A-Wish UK, the charity that grants life-changing wishes for critically ill children, needs Belfast's, Birmingham's and Manchester’s support. By volunteering, you can bring hope, joy, and strength to local children who need it most.

In the UK, one child every hour is diagnosed with a critical illness that makes them eligible for a wish. These children deserve to wish for more than a life defined by illness, and your time can help to make their dreams come true.

Community Wish Maker Volunteer, Helen, from Northern Ireland shares her experience: “Being a Wish Maker is such a special experience. I get to meet amazing kids and their families and help bring their wish to life. Chatting with them online is always a joy—we talk about their favourite things, like colours, food, music, and hobbies. It’s all about really getting to know them so we can make their wish as personal and magical as possible. It's honestly one of the most uplifting things I’ve ever been a part of.”

A wish begins with a Make-A-Wish UK volunteer meeting a child—at home, in hospital, or online—to explore their favourite things and spark their imagination. Using toys, drawings, and conversation, they help uncover the child’s most heartfelt wish. From there, our Wishgranters work with the family to turn that dream into a unique, life-changing experience. Volunteers play a vital role throughout the journey, sourcing local support, rallying communities, delivering surprises, and even being there on the big day to help make the magic happen.

Families across Northern Ireland have experienced firsthand the incredible support volunteers provide. Including 11-year-old Malachai who lives with Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome - a rare genetic disorder causing delayed growth and seizures. Developmental delays linked to his condition also means that he is non-verbal.

When exploring Malachai wish, mum and dad told our Wish Makers all about his love for playing in water. He loves being outside and exploring his surroundings with his family. Therefore, a wish ‘to go to Centre Parcs’ was the perfect choice as the family could get away and do all of Malachai’s favourite things together.

After the wish, mum Rhona shared: "It’s so rare to get a break together and we all adored and appreciated the experience so much. We will never be able to truly put our gratitude into words but thank you so much to the Make-A-Wish UK team for all your amazing work. It was truly an unforgettable and special experience.”

Families across Northern Ireland are already feeling the difference volunteers make—but in Belfast, we need more helping hands to reach every child. If you're local, your support could mean the world to a family going through their toughest times.

Community Wish Maker Volunteer, Suky, from Birmingham shares their experience: “Volunteering for Make-A-Wish UK is more than taking part in fulfilling the wishes of critically ill children. It becomes a way of life which is very addictive, seeing the children and their loved ones react to their wishes unfolding before them. A unique bond is formed between you and the families in a short space of time, but this bond lasts a lifetime".

Back when he was just four years old, Persian Bristoll from Northfield, Birmingham was diagnosed with Wilms tumour and faced intensive treatment. At such a young age he went through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a kidney removal, where he lost his hair which was precious to him. During this incredibly tough and uncertain time, Persian found out that he could have his very own wish, which bought him and his family hope.

Persian had always loved policeman, especially the local community officer, Policeman George, so when exploring his wish, he had the perfect idea. Persian’s wish ‘to be a policeman for the day’, came true with the support of Make-A-Wish UK and their incredible volunteers. Since his wish, Persian has recovered, but years on, still holds special memories of this day.

Mum Kathleen said: “The wish inspired Persian to work hard like the policemen do and has shown him that you can have fun and life goes on even when you are fighting a life-threatening condition. The wish allowed him to just be a normal little boy and the memories of the day will help him cope with whatever is thrown at him next.”

Mark, a Community Wish Maker Volunteer from the North West, shares his experience: “Please join us and volunteer in your area today. Make-A-Wish UK isn’t just a charity, it’s a feeling, with endless possibilities to help someone who truly needs it and give them a smile they’ll never forget. Volunteering has changed my life for the better, and I feel so proud to be part of such an amazing charity. This year will be my 10th year volunteering for Make-A- Wish UK.”

At just five years old, Isla from Salford, Manchester was diagnosed with a Wilms’ tumour—a rare kidney cancer that affects around 70 children in the UK each year. She underwent surgery to remove her kidney and started her gruelling treatment journey. For her family, it was an incredibly difficult and uncertain time, but when they found out Isla was eligible for a wish, it gave them hope. Mum, Jill recalled, “It spurred Isla on, and it made us refocus on thinking positively and made us determined to get to that end thing. I don’t think people realise how much thinking about that wish gets them through the treatment.”

Isla’s wish ‘to be a YouTuber’ came true with the support of the Make-A-Wish UK team and the incredible volunteers. Isla still holds the special memories of this day and even volunteers herself.

When illness robs childhood, we fight back with wonder, turning tears into cheers. That’s why we need support from Manchester—your help can make a real difference. If you’d like to find out how to get involved, please visit: www.make-a-wish.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer