I wish to meet...
To meet someone special or important like a hero, celebrity or influencer.
Apply for a wish
Do you know a child living with a critical illness, who could benefit from a life-changing wish?
As part of our commitment to continually improve and enhance our wish-granting capabilities, we've implemented a new referral model, and are now accepting referrals through our Community Referral Partners. This change in approach is a strategic decision aimed at reshaping our referral pathways to better serve the needs of children who may be entitled to a wish. We're focusing on building and strengthening partnerships within communities across the UK to ensure that we can reach even more children year upon year.
We'll continue to receive referrals for children who are in urgent need to have a wish granted. If a child’s prognosis is less than 12 months, then a referral can be submitted via our online application form. Wish children can be referred via their health, social care, or educational teams.
For more information on our new model, and opportunities to become a Community Referral Partner please contact [email protected]
What is a wish?
When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, their world comes crashing down. The playground is replaced with a hospital bed. Playing with friends is replaced with relentless medical treatments. Childhood can be replaced with fear.
But a wish has the power to change this. A wish allows a child to dream big, no matter what they are going through.
Every wish is as unique as the child who created it. Our Wish Makers, who are a team of specially-trained volunteers, speak to the child and spend time with them to find out what matters most to them in the world, and what matters most to them about their wish.
Leila wished to visit Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
We’re keen to get the wish discovery experience right, because a child’s wish is a precious gift that helps build lasting memories, confidence and resilience.
For a child with a critical illness, every-day life can feel impossible; let alone any dreams. But a wish can make impossible dreams, a reality. A wish has the power to broaden a critically ill child's horizons, giving them respite from treatment and allowing their family to create treasured memories, no matter what the future holds.
Wishes are often around four key themes
I wish to be...
To be someone or something – such as a superhero, princess, firefighter or architect.
I wish to go...
To go somewhere and spend time doing something special.
I wish to have...
To own something special or particular like a special possession or to have an experience like a party.
Whatever the child’s wish, we make the experience a truly individual and memorable one.
Allan wished to be a police officer
How do I refer a child?
We've recently changed the way in which we're accepting referrals and are now working with Community Referral Partners. This change in approach is a strategic decision aimed at reshaping our referral pathways to better serve the needs of children who may be entitled to a wish.
We're focusing on building and strengthening partnerships within communities across the UK to ensure that we can reach even more children year upon year. Our Community Referral Partners will be able to refer children for specific wish experiences across the year, and we will work closely with our partners to notify them as to when they can refer.
We continue to remain open to receive referrals for children who are in urgent need to have a wish granted. If a child’s prognosis is less than 12 months, then a referral can be submitted via our online application form. Wish children can be referred via their health, social care, or educational teams.
For more information on our new model, and opportunities to become a Community Referral Partner please contact [email protected]
Audrina wished to be a Scientist. "I want to research into diseases like cancer and find cures!"
What happens next?
If the child may be entitled to a wish, we'll call the family asking for further information about the child.
We'll then arrange for our Wish Makers to speak with the child to explore wish ideas with them.
Please note, there are restrictions on some kinds of wishes. If your wish falls into a category with restrictions, we’ll explain these to you so you can understand why.