There are a few charities and organisations across the UK that specialise in granting wishes to children and their families who are faced with a diagnosis such as Batten Disease. Their focus is on providing opportunities for creating special memories. Please be aware that some of these organisations will not be able to offer wishes to those who have received them from other similar organisations.
Although we have attempted to select only reputable organisations, the BDFA is not able to specifically endorse or vouch for any of those listed. Therefore we advise that you remain cautious in your dealings with anyone until feeling confident you have established their legitimacy.
The Barrie Wells Trust is a charitable organisation, founded in 2008 by our Chairman and sports philanthropist Barrie Wells.
Barrie is the sole funder of the charity and as such we do not seek any fundraising or financial donations. If you would like to help support us then please visit our Box4Kids page where we are encouraging other box holders to donate their executive box for an event to deserving children. The aims of the Barrie Wells Trust are:
To further the care, relief and convalescence of seriously ill, terminally ill and disabled children and their families.
To help encourage and inspire young people
“Make a Wish” grant wishes to children and young people (aged between 3 and 17 years of age) fighting life threatening illnesses. They aim to grant more than a 1000 wishes each calendar year and referrals can be made by family members, medical professionals or the child/young person themselves. Unfortunately they are not able to grant wishes to those who have already received a wish from another similar organisation.
http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk
Starlight Children’s Foundation grant wishes to children and young people (aged between 4 and 18 years of age) fighting life threatening illnesses. Referrals can be made by family members, friends, medical professionals or the child/young person themselves. Unfortunately they are not able to grant wishes to those who have already received a wish from another similar organisation.
http://www.starlight.org.uk
“When You Wish Upon A Star” is a small charity whose primary aim is to grant the Wishes of children suffering from life threatening illnesses. A notable highlight of the charity’s year is that each December they charter 4 planes and take up to 400 eligible children to Lapland to meet the real Father Christmas.
Initial enquiries can be made by medical professionals, parents or guardians. Unfortunately they are not able to grant wishes to those who have already received a wish from another similar organisation.
http://www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk
The charity aims to bring joy to terminally and seriously ill children and young people (between the ages of 2 to 21 years) in the UK by making their treasured dreams come true.
http://dreamscometrue.uk.com/
Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity helps children who are living with serious or life-limiting illnesses between the ages of 3-18, across the United Kingdom. They do this by:-
• Granting these children’s wishes, however impossible the wish may seem
• Granting hospital ward wishes
• Organising events and outings for large groups of seriously ill children
In order to apply, a child should not have had a wish granted by another wish-granting charity in the last 12 months, nor be going to have a wish granted.
Round Table Children’s Wish offer children and young people (aged between 4 and 17 years) a wish that has been specifically handcrafted to ensure it is a memorable and very personal experience. Their dedicated Wish Coordinator works with each family to make sure that all the details are taken care of. It is their aim to bring a period of happiness, however brief, into the lives of Wish children. Therefore they include members of their immediate family such as brothers and sisters who are under the age of 18 and who reside at the same address. It is not possible to apply to RTWC if your child has already received a wish from another similar organisation.
http://www.rtcw.org
The Dream Factory was set up to brighten the lives and encourage hope for children and young adults who have either life limiting or life threatening conditions, or who suffer from severe disabilities.
http://yourdreamfactory.org
The Willow Foundation is a national charity that provides special days out for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds. They strive to create a unique and unforgettable day that is tailored to the needs and dreams of each beneficiary. He or she chooses exactly what they would like to do on their special day and Willow aims to meet and, wherever possible, exceed their expectations, making the day truly special and memorable.
http://www.willowfoundation.org.uk
Dream Makers National Children’s Charity grant the wishes and dreams of children diagnosed with various conditions that result in disability and/or may be life-limiting.
http://dreammakerschildrenscharity.com
