8-year-old Harry’s greatest wish came true recently, thanks to the generosity of Merkur UK.

Harry’s family were introduced to Rays of Sunshine after he was diagnosed with Alpha-1, a condition which causes his organs to slowly shut down.

His mum Laura said: “The diagnosis completely changed our lives. It affects us every day and stops him from doing things all his friends can do.”   

Harry’s Wish was to meet a real-life snowy owl. Harry has a special affinity for the animal, as his snowy owl teddy has brought him comfort during many difficult times in hospital, and never misses an appointment with him.

Rays of Sunshine organised for Harry and his family to spend time at a falconry, where he got to “fly” the majestic resident snowy owl, as well as some of the other birds that call the site home.

“It’s nice that his wish was inspired by something that wasn’t so nice in his life. He felt special in a purely joyful way,” Harry’s mother Laura explained. “He was beaming with pride as he flew the bird.”

Harry’s once-in-a-lifetime experience was only possible thanks to Merkur UK who sponsored Harry’s wish as part of the joint Rays of Sunshine-Bacta “50 for 50” campaign, to celebrate 50 years since the association’s founding.

Nicola Aquila, Corporate Partnerships Lead at Rays of Sunshine, said: “We are so grateful to Merkur for helping to make smiles like Harry’s happen.

“Children like Harry are often forced to ‘grow up’ much quicker than their peers, so giving them the chance to have a purely joyful experience away from hospitals and treatment is so important for their wellbeing.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring a wish for a child like Harry, please get in touch with the Partnerships team at mgp@raysofsunshine.org.uk