A Disney Wish UK

July 2023

– The Kentown Wizard Foundation collaborates with Make-A-Wish UK and The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland for a third year, to bring a “Disney Wish” experience back to the UK.

From June 21st – 29th over 160 families living with life-limiting or life threatening conditions arrived at Hoar Cross Hall for a magical three-day immersive experience. An opportunity to spend time together as a family in an inclusive and safe environment, all while being surrounded by the magic of Disney.

This year’s activities included a Princess experience, Marvel training, Winnie the Pooh and Friends picnic, a brand-new Moana themed area, a Frozen Sing-A-Long, Jedi Training Academy and a Mickey & Minnie Bedtime Story. So whether they were meeting their favourite characters or just relaxing with a picnic by the carousel, each family had the opportunity to leave some of their worries at home and spend some much-needed quality time together.

Families just like 15-year-old Abby’s, whose rare genetic condition ‘Trisomy 9p’ has left her wheelchair dependant.

Up until Abby was 3 weeks old, Mum and Dad would never have thought their daughter would have a rare genetic condition. The unwanted surprise left Mum shocked – “it was like it was happening to someone else, like I was watching it unfold on a TV”

Abby’s diagnosis left her future clouded with uncertainty. Children with Trisomy 9p often experience developmental delays, impacting their ability to walk, as well as a host of other conditions.

“We don’t really have a life expectancy or idea as to what will happen in the future. But when the time comes, it’ll kill us all. We love her so much. She’s cheeky and very mischievous. But she’s also very loving” said Mum as she described Abby’s personality.

Abby also lives with frequent and severe seizures. Relying on a wheelchair to get around, she often misses out on childhood activities.

“When we were asked if she would be interested in A Disney Wish, we immediately said yes! She loves Disney! She has certain films that she watches at certain times. Her going to sleep film is Inside Out. When she comes home from school, she has The Lion King on. She must watch them in a specific order.”

Inaccessible facilities have prevented Abby from experiencing things that other children her age can, but the fully accessible Disney Wish allowed Abby to make up for the things that she’s unrightfully missed out on, to spend vital time with her family, time that was lost during hospital appointments that separated Abby from her sisters.

Margaret Ingram CEO of The Kentown Wizard Foundation said:
“We were delighted to once again collaborate with Disney and Make-A-Wish to bring this unique event back to the UK. Over the past two years, we have witnessed first-hand the sheer joy that “A Disney Wish” has brought to seriously ill children and their families. This magical event is all about creating moments that matter and we hope that for the families that have attended A Disney Wish, it did just that.”

Charity Registration number: 295672 (England and Wales) and SC037479 (Scotland)