Wish FAQ

When You Wish Upon a Star proudly supports children and families across the UK who meet our wish-granting criteria.

The charity will grant wishes for children who are aged 4-16 years and live with a life-threatening or terminal illness. We support families whose child is living daily with a life-threatening illness, has been newly diagnosed, is undergoing active treatment, has experienced a relapse in their condition, or is currently in remission.

We also proudly support time-sensitive palliative care wishes.

Please read our Wish Terms and FAQ before applying.

Wish Terms

Applying for a Wish

How do we apply for a wish?

Parents, guardians, or medical professionals can submit a referral through the charity’s website or by contacting the team directly after referral.

Can siblings or family members be included?

Absolutely. Wishes are often shared experiences, and we aim to include direct family members wherever possible to create special memories together. Parents and siblings up to and including the age of 16 years.

Some Wishes, by their nature, may have limited numbers of participants.

Can grandparents join us on the wish?

A Wish is based on direct family members only, but we will always look at each Wish individually. In some cases, if a single parent family or only one parent can go, we would allow a grandparent to go and support.

Please note insurance restrictions may apply.

My child has a registered carer can they join us on the wish?

If the carer is full time, then yes. Anything under this will be dependent on the level of care needed and can be discussed during the application process.

Please note employment documentation, will be required. Costs could also be incurred by the Carer depending on the type of Wish.

Can my child receive more than one wish

Each eligible child receives one wish, so that as many children as possible can benefit.

My child has had a Wish with another charity can I apply?

Our wish granting policy is one Wish per child. If you have had a wish with another charity you are not eligible to apply. However, subject to criteria your family can be supported by other areas of magic with the charity like treats and opportunities.

What types of wishes can be granted?

Wishes are unique to each child, but they often fall into a few categories:

• A special trip or holiday.
• Meeting a hero or favourite character.
• Having a magical experience or day out.

We work with you to create something truly personal.

We live in Ireland, can we apply for a Wish ?

We support families who live within the UK: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England.

If I apply for my child when they are 16, can they still receive their wish if the wish is granted in the following year and they are no longer 16.

Yes if they are 16 when all the relevant eligibility checks have taken place and we have accepted the application.

Medical

Do we need a doctor’s approval?

Yes, a healthcare professional must confirm the child’s medical condition and that a wish experience is appropriate.

Please note upon receipt of all our application requirements, the charity will contact your child’s Medical Consultant & team directly.

Your Wish will not be accepted until we have the medical confirmation of life-threatening illness.

Will my child’s medical needs be supported?

Yes. Your child’s safety is our priority. We work alongside medical teams to coordinate equipment, medications, and any specialist support required during the wish.

What if my child is in remission can we still apply?

You can only apply for a wish within a 2-year post treatment period.

What if my child’s condition changes?

We understand that things can change. We remain flexible and can adapt plans quickly to make sure your child still experiences something meaningful.

About the Wish

How involved can we be in planning the wish?

You are fully involved. We work closely with families to understand your child’s interests, needs, and medical requirements to design the perfect wish experience.

Is there any cost to us?

Wish package
No: There is no cost to your family. Wishes are fully funded through the charity and its supporters.

Wish Holiday/ Overseas
Yes: there is a requirement for you to provide valid passports for all family members ensuring they are within the required dates for travel.

Visas/ Esta’s
Yes: there is a requirement for you to provide the necessary overseas travel documents such as Visas and Esta’s for your family to travel.

Please be aware wishes that require Visas or/ and Esta’s are all strictly subject to Visa or/and Esta approval.

Spending, Food & refreshments
Yes: the charity cannot support spending money and any additional food or refreshment spend that’s not included within the Wish package for the Wish,

Do we have to provide insurance for my child’s Wish?

No, the charity has travel insurance that will cover all the family attending that wish.Please note insurance restrictions may apply for supporting adults on the Wish.

Can we request something specific or “magical” for the wish?

Yes! We love creating magical touches, such as decorations, gifts, or surprises. Please share any ideas, and we’ll do our best to make them happen.

Can we pay the charity to add to our wish?

No, the charity cannot take payments from wish families to add to the wish. However, the family can source and book directly to companies for whatever extras they like to do out with the Wish package, before or during when the wish takes place.

Communication

Who can I contact if I have questions?

You will have a dedicated coordinator who will support you every step of the way. You can reach out at any time with questions or concerns.

What happens after the wish is granted?

Many families stay connected with the charity community. Some choose to share their story or get involved in fundraising or awareness activities.

Do we have to share our story publicly?

No. Sharing your story is completely optional and only done with your consent.

Disney Specific FAQ’s

Disney Paris

How long is the Disney Paris wish?

Disney Paris wish is 3 nights.

Can we go any time of year?

Disney Paris Wishes are available seasonally from May-October.

Can we choose where to stay in Disney?

Hotel choices are available subject to our Wish budget.

,Please note choice of hotel will be subject to the level of Wish package and added Pixie Dust moments to the Wish.

Disney Florida

How long is the Disney Florida wish?

Disney Florida wish is 7 nights as a standard booking.

Can we go any time of year?

Disney Florida Wishes are available from November-April.