Press.disney.co.uk
Disney wishes granted as part of company’s support for Make-A-Wish® this holiday season.
Fifty children from across Europe and the Middle East were granted their Disney wishes during a magical weekend at Disneyland Paris in support of Make-A-Wish, the international charity that creates life-changing wishes for children with serious illnesses.
The families, who came to Disneyland Paris from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and the UAE, each had their own Disney volunteer on-hand to guide them as they enjoyed the rides, the spectacular shows and meeting all their favourite characters.
Disney and Make-A-Wish work together all year round to grant life-changing wishes for children with serious illnesses. Since 1980, Disney has helped Make-A-Wish grant over 155,000 wishes globally, with over 500 granted across EMEA in 2023 alone.
One of the children who had a wish granted was Efe, aged four, from Wales in the UK, who was diagnosed with a metastatic Wilms’ tumour - a rare cancer that affects the kidneys of young children - just before his third birthday. Following the diagnosis, Efe underwent intensive chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, which meant that he and his family missed out on their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland Paris. Thanks to Disney and Make-A-Wish, Efe’s wish to visit the park has now been granted. The special weekend marked one year since Efe completed his treatment, and the family was able to celebrate with his heroes – Spider-Man and the Avengers.
Efe's mum, Henrietta said: “When Efe learned he could have a wish, he immediately said he wanted to go to Disneyland Paris – the trip he never got to take”
“After everything he’s been through, this trip means the world to him.”
8 year old Alix, from Lille in France, was most excited to meet Mickey Mouse, after receiving a letter from him, inviting her to visit. At Disneyland Paris, Alix and her little brother had the chance to meet Mickey in person for an adventure, as well as watching Mickey and Minnie and their friends at their Christmas sing-along show.
Sara Hanson, Director of CSR, Disney EMEA, said: “A Disneyland Paris wish has the transformational power to build emotional resilience for children and their families.”
“This weekend is the perfect example of how we work together with our wish-granting partners to create moments that matter for families, at a time when they need them most.”
Luciano Manzo, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish International said: “This special weekend is a chance for children across Europe like Efe and Alix, who have faced unimaginable challenges, to create magical memories with their families.”
“We’re so grateful to Disney for going above and beyond to make these wishes come true.”
This unforgettable weekend, organised by the team at Disneyland Paris, where families were able to spend quality time together, is part of Disney’s holiday campaign which supports Make-A-Wish. Disney’s new Holiday Short this year – “The Boy & The Octopus”, is an enchanting original story of childhood wonder and friendship, directed by Taika Waititi.