How wishes help

The long-lasting impact of a wish

When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, medical appointments take them away from their family, friends and daily routine. They endure pain and worry instead of enjoying a carefree time - ticking off milestones like riding a bike, having sleepovers and learning to swim. In short, their childhood comes to an end.

A wish empowers a child with choice, when so much else is decided for them; and gives them something positive to look forward to, enjoy and look back on during tough times. In doing so, it builds their resilience and provides precious time with their family to create memories they can all treasure forever. 

How do we know? Here's what the experts say:

In 2018, Make-A-Wish UK commissioned research by Aston University to find out how a wish has a positive impact on children diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, as well as their families. The university interviewed a number of families and six key themes emerged which highlight how a wish helps. 

Increased joy and happiness

Many families described feeling overcome with intensely positive, joyful emotions including happiness and excitement when hearing that their wish would be granted. The anticipation phase, during the build-up to the day or week of their wish, often had positive effects on a child’s emotional wellbeing. Wishes were described as creating an environment where the child and family felt special, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Broadening horizons

Families told us that the wish enabled them to aspire to more, getting involved in activities they might not have previously considered, such as going on a family holiday. Having a wish was described as life-changing by children and families as it encouraged them to reassess what would be possible in their future. Wish parents described the wish opening up a world of future possibilities, realising they were able to achieve more than they thought possible.

Building psychological resources

The research highlighted feelings of increased optimism, confidence and self-esteem in children as well as parents, following a wish, with more focus on what they CAN do and what is possible, rather than what they CANNOT do. Wish children described feeling more confident and having more courage following their wish, particularly regarding their health care.

Distraction from illness and treatment

Families told us that the wish provided a welcome distraction and often motivated children to engage with their treatment. In difficult times, wishes provided a new focus and something to look forward to. After a wish, the happy, positive memories gave something to talk about rather than dwelling on their condition and treatment.

Respite from worry

Families described feeling consumed by worry about their child’s condition and the challenges of caring for a child living with a critical illness. For many, having a wish granted was their first experience of handing over responsibility for any aspect of their child’s care to someone else. Wishgranters take on responsibility for planning and organising the child’s wish, allowing parents to concentrate on being parents.

Togetherness

Families valued spending quality time together while enjoying their child’s wish. Wishes were found to have a positive impact on parental and family relationships, bringing spouses and families closer together. They brought a sense of ‘normality’ for families. This quality time as a family was also viewed as important for siblings, as they often missed out on spending time with their parents.