Rays of Sunshine was incredibly grateful to have been presented with a generous donation for £50,000 -money which will help us grant 50 wishes over the course of the year. 

On top of this, an astonishing £10,050 was raised on the night to fund new upcoming wishes for seriously ill children. 

Donations like this help the charity to grant wishes to seriously ill children across the UK, like 7-year-old Harry’s wish to go to Legoland. 

Harry was born with oesophageal atresia, a rare condition affecting his oesophagus. In his short life, he has had to undergo more than 90 operations, and spends a lot of time in hospital. He is an avid Lego fan and has wanted to visit Legoland in Windsor for several years. When the family began to consider a wish, it wasn’t long before the theme park came up!   

“When we told him it was happening, Harry actually let out a little squeal,” recalls Georgina, Harry’s mum, who adds that Harry discovered a love of rides while at the theme park. “Because he was old enough to get on so many of them, he really threw himself into it,” she says. “I think in some ways that surprised even himself. He walked off of some of those rides with a new-found confidence.” 

Harry’s mum says the wish couldn’t have come at a better time. She says: “I’m so glad he was well enough to really enjoy his wish to the full.”

Amy Chambers, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Rays of Sunshine, said: “We are so grateful to be able to kick off our ’50 for 50’ initiative with Harry’s wonderful wish. 

“Bacta members have been such loyal supporters of our mission to brighten the lives of seriously ill children, and we’re looking forward to sharing event more magical moments in the months to come.” 

If you’d like to sponsor an upcoming wish, please speak with Steve Hawkins for more information.