It’s half term report time for the industry on its hard work for the charity Rays of Sunshine, and there’s lots of pluses on the card. But, expect the Bacta Charitable Trust to aim for more pluses with a ‘will do even better’ approach for the remainder of the year. Rays of Sunshine, though, are thrilled that 21 kids have had their dreams come true.

Rays of Sunshine is proud to reveal some 21 children have either had, or will have, their greatest wish granted thanks to generous Bacta members.

The “50 for 50” campaign was launched last year to commemorate Bacta’s 50th anniversary. It aims to sponsor the wishes of 50 different seriously and terminally ill children living in the UK. 

Rays of Sunshine’s wishes are as unique as children themselves. Six months into the campaign, generous Bacta members have helped the charity grant a huge variety of wishes, from new tech, to unforgettable experiences and family breaks. 

One of the incredible experiences made possible by 50 for 50 was 5-year-old Henley’s wish to meet his hero, Spider-Man, which was sponsored by Jeremy Godden, from East Kent Leasing Ltd. 

Henley was diagnosed with gastroschisis at only 12 weeks old, and has spent a lot of time in hospital in his short life. He doesn’t let his illness stop him, and loves all things football, cars and – of course – Super Heroes. 

Spider-Man and Henley spent time together discussing their different adventures, and Henley even showed his hero some of his favourite crime-fighting moves. Henley’s mum said of his wish afterwards: “Henley has not stopped saying it was the best day ever.”

Another of the unforgettable experiences brought to life by Bacta members was Ewan’s wish to visit the Titanic Museum in Belfast. This was generously sponsored by James Miller of Funstation. 

15-year-old Ewan has been through a lot in his young life, having to go through three and a half years of chemotherapy to treat his acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. 

Ewan has learned everything he can about the Titanic, and so having the opportunity to visit the Belfast museum was the perfect way for his to celebrate the journey he has been on. His mum said: “It is a memory we will treasure for ever.”

Amy Chambers, Chief of Staff and Director of Fundraising & Communications at Rays of Sunshine, says: “We have always been incredibly grateful for the loyal support given to us by Bacta and its members. 

“50 for 50 has a double benefit for Rays of Sunshine: it allows us to make the sponsored wish happen, and use the money we would have spent elsewhere on another deserving child’s dreams.

“We are so grateful to every person and company who has generously sponsored a wish, and can’t wait to see how much more magic we can make happen with this initiative.”