If you ever needed a reason to understand 

why fundraising is so important to us!

We are more than sure this story will touch you all

In 1999, my brother James, aged 9, was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma brain tumour - thankfully, after extensive chemotherapy, and prayers they were able to remove the tumour and my brother kicked cancers ass. Unfortunately this left my brother James severely brain damaged and his physical ability was dramatically reduced. Thanks to When You Wish Upon A Star, they gave my brother and our family the chance to still enjoy life. We visited Centre Parcs, for a Robin Hood themed weekend and we were able to meet stars from TV like Coronation Street. I still remember that trip like it was yesterday - even for me as a little girl, it was amazing to be able to still have some fun and be a little girl. My brother was, in a way, robbed of his childhood and I myself was forced to be old beyond my years at times. Our eldest sister had to take on a responsibility of being like a third parent, and during this time she even became a mother herself. My parents were ran off their feet, with three children, and they barely got a rest. It was fantastic that with charities like When You Wish Upon A Star, we were all able to let go of the pain, the trauma, and the scary reality of our lives, and all smile even just for a day.

My brother, James, aged 18, sadly passed away in May 2009 - in his memory, I want to give something back and help other families in a similar position.

I want to say a special thank you to each and every person involved at When You Wish Upon A Star - the work you do is quite honestly incredible and it warms my heart to know that whatever I manage to raise, will bring the same happiness to families like mine. Keep up the great work!