September 23, 2022 - 2899 views
Alfie Joe Lovelady from Colwyn Bay joined a magical three-day Disney experience for children living with critical illness alongside 240 other wish families at a unique event in Staffordshire.
The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland, Make-A-Wish UK and The Kentown Wizard Foundation joined forces to bring the magic of Disney to children living with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses; many who are unable to travel abroad due to their conditions.
Between 14-16th September, Alfie travelled to Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire, which was transformed into an Enchanted Manor for the occasion. The event, which will continue until September 28th, aims to provide hundreds of critically ill children, their siblings and parents with a tailor-made, immersive Disney experience.
The Make-A-Wish UK families took part in a variety of Disney activities, including a Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends picnic; Jedi Training Academy; a Mickey and Minnie Bedtime Story; a Frozen Sing-Along; Story Time with Belle in the Grand Ballroom and a Marvel Training Initiative featuring Marvel Super Heroes.
Make-A-Wish UK supports children and young people diagnosed with a serious illness or life-limiting condition, by granting them their dearest wish. Medical conditions, complexity of travel and lots of specialist equipment mean it’s often difficult for families to travel abroad and get that unique Disney experience which is the heart of many wishes.
After numerous tests, scans, assessments and diagnoses of ADHD, a speech and language disorder, autism and a brain tumour, it was discovered that Alfie had a genetic issue called adrenoleukodystrophy (rare inherited disorder affecting the adrenal glands and ‘white matter’ of the brain, causing a progressive loss of physical and mental skills) as well as Addison’s (adrenal insufficiency) which, according to NHS statistics, affects just 9,000 people in the UK and is most common between the ages of 30-50 years old.
Alfie’s Mum Rachael, said: “When Alfie was little, he was presenting like someone who had Alzheimer’s and early tests came back with an abnormality doctors thought was a brain tumour.
"At first, we were so relieved it wasn’t a brain tumour but when we were told what his illness was and how rare it was, I googled the condition and felt sick as it’s just not something you ever expect to happen to your child.
“I want to raise more awareness about it so more people and doctors know about it. We’ve had to live through incredible heartbreak and constantly worry about him. This wish day has given us such amazing new memories Alfie adores Mickey Mouse Club House, particularly the songs like the hot dog song so seeing him meet Mickey was just the best feeling for all of us!”
Make-A-Wish UK Chief Executive, Jason Suckley, said: “Over 60,000 children in the UK are living with a critical illness, and may not be able to travel abroad due to the limits of their condition – or because they tragically may not have long left.
"We’re absolutely delighted that over 200 children have had their wishes come true by experiencing the magic of Disney right here in the UK, providing light and joy right when they and their families need it most. We are extremely grateful to Disney and to The Kentown Wizard Foundation for making this event possible.”
Deborah Armstrong, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, Disney UK & Ireland, said: “I’m so pleased we are able to work with Make-A-Wish UK and Kentown Wizard to create another magical experience for hundreds of children and their families who are living with serious illness.
"The joy and magic of a Disney wish, featuring meet and greets with iconic Disney characters and unique interactive experiences, helps families create priceless memories they can cherish for a lifetime. This is our biggest UK wish event to date and being able to create even more Moments that Matter is so inspiring – it’s a personal highlight in the Disney calendar.”
The project would not have been possible without funding from The Kentown Wizard Foundation, which exists to have a positive impact on the lives of children and young adults with serious, life-limiting conditions and disabilities.
Margaret Ingram, Chief Executive of The Kentown Wizard Foundation, said: “We were privileged to witness first-hand how this unique event brought laughter, joy and Disney magic to 240 children and their families at a time when they needed it most and so we had no hesitation when providing funding to make A Disney Wish 2022 possible.
"Reimagining the Disney experience in a central UK location is a unique concept which has allowed many more seriously ill children to make precious memories with their families. We are proud to be part of this collaboration and to witness again, the impact of a Disney Wish.”
Keen to get involved and lend their support to the wish families by volunteering at the event, several celebrities joined the Disney Wish experience.
Actor and musician Matt Willis; model and TV star Millie Mackintosh and TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Helen Skelton were among the stars spending time with the children and their families, hearing more about their stories and helping make sure they experienced all the Mickey magic and fairy-tale fun.
To find out more about how wishes have a life-changing impact on the whole family, visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk or follow the charity on social media @makeawishuk.
