When You Wish Upon a Star Bring Back the Magic of Disney in collaboration with ALB Giving

When You Wish Upon a Star is delighted to announce the re-launch of Disney Wishes and ALB Giving have made a further fantastic commitment to the charity, by match funding 10 Disney Wishes, supporting the charity to officially relaunch its much-loved Disney Wish Programme, starting with 20 magical wishes in 2026.

After helping to send Laura Gap, aged 8, the only child in the UK currently battling with pancreatic cancer on her dream trip to Disneyland Paris, ALB Giving witnessed first-hand the incredible impact that a Disney Wish can have. Deeply moved and inspired, ALB Giving’s continued support will now make it possible for even more children to experience the joy, hope and happiness that comes from having a Disney Wish come true.

This announcement follows the roaring success of the Lapland Ball, where supporters helped raise an incredible £151,000 securing a trip to Lapland, making 35 families Christmas wish come true.

What makes this moment even more special is that the very first wish requested to When You Wish Upon a Star 35 years ago was also a trip to Disney World. Returning to these roots as part of the charity’s 35th anniversary celebrations makes this re-launch a truly magical milestone.

The Disney Wish Programme will officially recommence in January 2026, when the When You Wish Upon a Star Disney Wish Portal reopens for applications from eligible children across the UK. To mark the anniversary celebrations and the return of the programme, two families will be among the first to experience the magic with a trip to Disney World in Florida this November.

Arran Bailey, Founder of ALB Group, said:

“Supporting When You Wish Upon a Star has been an incredibly humbling experience. Seeing the happiness and strength that a single wish brought to one young girl and her family reminded us all why this charity is so special. Through our match funding, we hope to inspire others to get involved so that even more children can have their own magical moments

CEO of When You Wish Upon a Star, Joe Williamson, said: 

“This generous match funding from ALB Giving has brought new energy and excitement to our entire charity family. To see the joy that one Disney Wish created, and to know that 20 children will soon experience that same magic, is beyond words. As we celebrate 35 years since Barbara White founded When You Wish Upon a Star with a single wish to go to Disney, it feels like we have come full circle, inspired by the past and shining bright for the future.”

More than 130,000 children across the UK are eligible for a wish, meaning this is only the beginning. The charity still needs the support of corporates, communities and individuals nationwide to continue creating bespoke, life-changing experiences for children living with life-threatening illnesses. Every donation, no matter the size, helps to make a wish come true.