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

​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.

About Firefly

For Firefly, life is all about experiences and being face to face with friends and loved ones. By enhancing the child's perspective and giving them the tools to 'join in', the child not only has the opportunity to participate, but can also be at the heart of it.