Contact partnering with Make-A-Wish to bring magical wishes to families

3 mins read

Friday 14 June 2024

Tags: disability, holidays


We are delighted to be partnering with Make-A-Wish UK to offer some of the families we support the opportunity to experience a magical wish in 2024.

This month several families Contact supports, who have a child with a critical condition, will enjoy a Make-A-Wish Disney experience holiday in Staffordshire.

The families are gearing up to enjoy a two-night magical break in the UK. During the trip they will get to meet their favourite Disney characters, as well as enjoy themed shows and accessible activities.

By Your Side hospitals project

Ruth Stone, Senior Parent Adviser at Contact, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer families we have supported through our By Your Side hospitals project and some of those who have supported our campaigns, the opportunity to have a magical wish in 2024.

“We hope they all have a wonderful time during their Make-A-Wish Disney experience holiday this month, they really do deserve it.”

Emma Paul and her two boys Leo, who has the rare genetic condition KPTN, and Joe have just returned from their trip. Emma said: “It could not have been better. Seriously, they thought of everything and then some and it’s safe to say Leo had the time of his whole life! Joe also really appreciated being around other siblings and I loved being around other families in the same boat. Strange to see loads of other people loading up syringes for meds and doing tube feeds at the dinner table same as me.”

Stephanie Sherwood, Head of Wishgranting at Make-A-Wish UK said: “Our goal at Make-A-Wish UK is to bring happiness and joy to children with a critical illness. From the moment they are diagnosed, the simple pleasures of childhood and family life are replaced by worry, disruption, medical appointments, financial worries and isolation. Wishes provide an opportunity to choose something positive to look forward to and the chance to be a child first and a patient second.

“We are proud to be partnering with Contact, their support will help us to reach more children who can experience the magic of a wish here in the UK.”

Need advice about holidays?

As the summer holidays are fast approaching, do you need advice about accessible and affordable days out and holidays? We have lots of advice and information on our holidays, play and leisure web pages.

We are also holding a Facebook Q&A on holidays and leisure on Thursday 20 June 10-11.30am. Sign up to our private Facebook group to take part and get advice from our helpline parent advisers about all things holidays and leisure.