Stevie’s Wish

At When You Wish Upon a Star, we see first-hand the difference a wish can make - and Stevie Taylor’s experience is a powerful reminder of why our work matters.

Stevie, 15, from Rotherham, lives with Batten, disease, a rare and life-limiting neurological condition that causes progressive damage to the brain and nervous system. Like many children we support, Stevie faces daily challenges including vision loss, seizures and reduced mobility, requiring ongoing care and support.

Despite this, Stevie has a vibrant personality and a deep love of Disney. Her wish was to visit Walt Disney World Resort – a dream we were proud to bring to life. Stevie travelled to Florida with parents Karen and Paul, and younger sibling Jasmine, for a fully supported wish designed around her needs. The family stayed at Give Kids The World Village, where accessible accommodation, attractions and specialist care created an environment where Stevie could fully enjoy every moment.

For the Taylor family, this meant more than just a holiday. It provided a rare opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and focus on simply being together. Paul shared: “It was an amazing experience because it allowed Stevie to enjoy Disney in an environment built around her needs. It gave us precious time as a family to make memories together.”

Throughout the trip, Stevie experienced personalised moments including dedicated meet-and-greets with Disney characters, helping bring her favourite stories to life in a relaxed and meaningful way. Karen said: “Stevie loved having her own special time with her favourite characters - it made the whole experience truly magical.”

A further highlight was time spent with our ambassadors, Ellie Leach and Brooke Vincent, who helped create a warm and memorable group experience. “They really took the time to get to know us – those moments meant so much,” Karen added. Importantly, that connection has continued beyond the trip, making the wish even more meaningful for the family.

Stevie’s wish demonstrates the lasting impact of what we do – creating not just magical moments, but meaningful connections and treasured memories for families when they need them most.