Wish stories

Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at just 14 months old, Elspeth has faced three serious hospitalisations in the last few years. Due to her condition, Elspeth’s muscles weaken as she grows and has been in a wheelchair her whole life.

Lack of available treatments in the UK has also meant that Elspeth spent three years of her young childhood travelling back and forth to Belgium for a drug trial.

After being faced with yet another hospital stay for scoliosis spinal surgery, Elspeth’s nurse referred the family to Make-A-Wish. As mum Emma explained:

“The world of fashion is an escape for her whilst in hospital. She would love to sew but she doesn’t have the strength and dexterity in her hands. Elspeth enjoys designing inclusive fashion especially for wheelchair users and enjoys going to exhibitions about inclusive design to get inspiration.”

When choosing her wish, Elspeth said she would like to be able to design her own dress with the help of a fashion designer. She’d then enjoy modelling her masterpiece during a commemorative photoshoot.

The fashion filled day left Elspeth with a host of long-lasting memories. As mum told us: “The day was amazing! Planning it also offered us all some much-needed distraction while Elspeth was in hospital!”