358 wishes granted in 2023 – Rays of Sunshine looks back at a magical year

RAYS of Sunshine has revealed that its supporters helped to grant 358 amazing wishes for seriously ill children across the UK in 2023.

There were many wish highlights in the year, from Lenny’s magical Lapland visit, to Arla’s perfect princess party or Isla’s writing workshop with Jacqueline Wilson. The team worked hard to ensure every child’s wish was perfect for them.

Some highlights include:

• Granting 358 wishes, including 10 Legoland trips, 24 Center Parcs holidays, and 37 game consoles.
• Launching the Wish Community and hosting 24 free and accessible events all across the UK for families – including the inaugural Confidence Event for Teens. In total Rays of Sunshine events reached 1363 children, young people and families
• Hosting 12 Christmas events with 336 children, young people and families attending across the UK.
• Reaching young patients across 75 children’s hospices, hospitals and community teams through the Sunshine in Hospitals programme, with fun and helpful initiatives like National Teddy Bear Day and Rays of Sunshine Sensory Bags.

One of the children who received a wish in 2023 was seven-year-old Delilah. Delilah spent a lot of time in hospital when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and one of the things that kept her spirits high was singing. In particular, she loved singing Pink songs – so Rays of Sunshine Wish Granters made sure that Delilah’s favourite singer featured heavily in her wish.

The charity sent Delilah and her mum to watch Pink at BST Hyde Park. Delilah was let out of hospital a week before the concert after a months-long stay, giving her and her mum just enough time to shop for the sparkliest dresses they could find for the big day!

Caitlin said:

“It was so special – because of her illness, Delilah often gets tired quickly. But she had bundles of energy to enjoy the whole show. She turned to me after the concert and said it had been the best time of her life.”

Dan Assor, CEO at Rays of Sunshine said:

“2023 was a great, but challenging, year.

“Thanks to our generous supporters – who continue to stand by us during the cost-of-living crisis and at a time when demand for our services has increased by 115% – our dedicated team was able to grant hundreds of magical wishes and host many special events for seriously ill children and their families.

“Looking beyond 2023, it’s an exciting time for Rays of Sunshine: our team is talented, wish applications are increasing again and we’re proud to be celebrating our 21^st anniversary in 2024. None of this would be possible without our supporters – we can’t thank you enough.”

To read the full Impact Report, please visit: https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/our-impact-in-2023/.

To find out how to support Rays of Sunshine in 2024, please visit: https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/support-us/.