Additional Needs

Special Needs Fundraising: Make-A-Wish Foundation (UK)

Posted by Firefly on 10th July 2015 Additional Needs, Advice & Support, Campaigns, Disabilities

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​Since its beginning in 1986, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 9,000 wishes to seriously ill children and young people.

A ‘Wish’ is an opportunity for seriously ill children to enjoy extraordinary experiences, something they only thought possible in their dreams.

It’s an individual and memorable experience for each child.

Make-A-Wish Foundation has specific criteria for Wish granting.

Children need to be UK residents aged between 3 and 17 years old.

They can not have received a Wish from Make-A-Wish previously or any other wish-granting organisation.

The charity will speak to the child’s Paediatrician to confirm that his or her condition is considered life-threatening.

Make-A-Wish accept referrals from parents and guardians and medical professionals.

They also accept referrals from the children themselves.

If you would like to refer your child or a child you know you are encouraged to complete and return the Make-A-Wish referral form.

The child’s parents or guardians will be required to sign the medical release form allowing Make-A-Wish to write to the child’s medical professional.

Once the charity has spoken to the child’s medical professional to confirm that the condition is life-threatening then a form will be sent to the child’s family to gather more information.

When this form has been returned a specially trained volunteer will visit the family to find out more about the child’s ‘Wish’.

Wishes are limited to within Europe.

Make-A-Wish has granted an amazing array of wishes including meeting Messi, becoming a Zoo Keeper for the day, going to the Grand Prix, holidays and specialist equipment.

To find out more about Make-A-Wish visit the website here.