CHILDREN’S CHARITY ANNOUNCES FUNDRAISING WALK FOR WISHES TO FUFILL COVID BACKLOG

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 7 June 2021

UPDATED: 7 June 2021

WHEN You Wish Upon a Star (WYWUAS) – a charity that grants Wishes for children with life-threatening conditions – has announced its brand-new Superhero Wish Walk to help raise donations for its work.

 

Taking place on 25 June 2021, people across the UK are signing up for the sponsored walk to help fund Wishes for seriously ill children - with more than 60 schools already planning on taking part. Participants will be dressing up as their favourite superheroes, whether that be a fictional character or someone much closer to home, such as a parent or teacher, to commemorate the heroes of the pandemic and the bravery of the charity’s children.

Heather Kelly, national events coordinator at WYWUAS, said:

“We’re really looking forward to holding this fundraiser and making as much money as possible to grant our children’s Wishes. Whether it’s a lap round the local park or a 10km hike in the hills, we’re encouraging everyone to get involved and raise sponsorship money that will help to create positive memories for children and families in their most difficult moments.”

Following a challenging year for the charity - which was unable to fundraise throughout lockdown - the money raised will help to grant a backlog of Wishes that were placed on hold throughout the pandemic. 

Due to travel restrictions, many of WYWUAS’s current Wishes centre around creating magical memories at home - including the provision of laptops, game consoles and iPads so children can stay in contact with their friends and family, as well as bedroom makeovers and fun-filled Christmas and birthday celebrations. 

Heather said:

“The pandemic has been incredibly difficult – not only for WYWUAS but also for our children, who have been isolated during an inconsolable time. Now that restrictions are starting to lift and we’re able to fundraise again, we’re desperate to grant the Wishes that were placed on hold so we can put a smile back on the faces of those that deserve it most. 

“We’re hoping that we will soon be able to start offering staycation and meet and greet experiences along with the Wishes that can be provided at home, so we can’t wait to see how many we’re able to grant with the money raised from the Superhero Wish Walk.”

15-year-old Luke, who was born with major heart defects and has undergone four open heart surgeries, has been supported by WYWUAS for over ten years having previously been granted a holiday to Centre Parcs with his family.

Luke’s Mum, Kelly Chapman, said:

“It was the first time we had managed a holiday away from home without all the feelings of fright in case we needed a doctor. Having a team of doctors ready on the trip meant that it was the first time we were able to relax and actually enjoy ourselves without worrying, and it gave us confidence that we could take trips again in the future. This was so much more than a holiday, it was a lifeline, and it was something we had never thought possible.”

Heather added:

“Children like Luke are the reason why our Superhero Wish Walk is so important, as these Wishes have such a massive impact on the lives of those struggling with terrible illnesses. Since his trip to Centre Parcs, Luke has raised over £50,000 for WYWUAS to help other children just like him – something we believe makes him a real-life superhero – so we hope that other people can step up to the plate and match his incredible efforts by joining us on the walk this month.”

To sign up to WYWUAS’s Superhero Walk and receive your free virtual fundraising pack, please visit www.wish-walks.org.uk.

To find out more about the charity, please visit www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk or contact WYWUAS at fundraising@whenyouwish.org.uk or by calling 0115 9791720.   

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