How our colleague volunteers, including Charlotte who authored this diary, helped critically ill children experience their dreams in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK and Disney.

Back in early June, three CitySprint colleagues got the chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as volunteers at Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK’s ‘A Disney Wish’ experience. Taking place at Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire, Adam, Charlotte, and Nadine all became Mickey’s Pals for two incredible days, helping over 200 families enjoy a truly magical experience.

Charlotte, one of our Ops Coordinators, had such an amazing time that she has kindly shared her ‘A Disney Wish’ diary below. Over to Charlotte,

“Every day, the lives of 10 families in the UK are changed forever when a child is diagnosed with a serious illness. From that moment, childhood takes a backseat to medical appointments and worry. However, a wish helps to restore that childhood and puts worry on the backseat. Make-A-Wish provides an opportunity to choose something positive to look forward to and the chance to be a child first and a patient second.”

Day 1

“I arrived on the first evening, very excited about being part of this incredible opportunity. We made our way over to the venue from the hotel where all the volunteers stayed the night before. We were welcomed by Georgia and Lorna, the Make-A-Wish and Disney team leaders, who gave us a tour around the site and gave us our t-shirts, lanyards, Mickey ears, and rotas for the day.

Many of Disney’s corporate colleagues had travelled from sites all over the world to attend day one of the event launch. Everyone lined up down the driveway, all wearing their Mickey ears and Mickey hands waving to everyone, all with the famous Disney music playing in the background. Then, as the guests turned the final bend into the car park, they could see a life-sized Lightning McQueen and Mater from the 'Cars' franchise parked outside the front of the building.

My first role, and one of my favourites, was welcoming all the guests on their arrival with open arms and beaming smiles. I was helping them with their luggage, settling them in and then taking them to the enchanted forest so the magic could begin.

After the guests had been to their welcome show, with special guests Mickey and Minnie in attendance, the families were then encouraged to walk around and explore the venue at their leisure.

I was situated in the gardens with the outdoor games section and had the pleasure of being able to play games with the children, spend time talking to the families, and get to know them. The smiles and laughs were beyond heartwarming.”

Day 2

“On day 2, we made our way back to Hoar Cross Hall and were once again given our rotas for the day ahead.

I feel this was the day we had all been looking forward to the most because it was show day. Show day allowed all the children and families to have story time with the princesses, sing along with Frozen, as well as attend the Marvel Academy training. Every couple of hours the children were changing into new character outfits, they were just so adorable. I don’t think there was a single child or parent without a huge smile on their face.

Throughout the day, I helped on several different stations: the Elf Emporium Shop, the fully accessible carousel ride, arts and crafts, the sensory room, and the carnival room - which was a games room set up like a circus. The day ended with a huge gala show with lots of special characters, a silent disco and then a drone show to finish the whole event.

I can honestly say the whole experience was truly amazing! One of the most humbling and emotional events I have ever attended. The word ‘no’ did not exist for these children, whatever they wished for, they got. We were able to meet some wonderful children and their families, as well as an amazing team of volunteers. It made me reflect to always live in the moment and never take anything for granted.”

A huge thank you to both Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK and Disney for allowing our colleagues to volunteer their time in such a meaningful way, as well as providing a much-needed escape for the children and families going through such tough times.  

If you can afford to donate, you can do so using this link: https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/.

---

We deliver Courier Services you can depend on. Find out more about our Same Day Delivery or Next Day Delivery solutions.

 

View all Blogs