Fulfilling a wish doesn’t only bring excitement, wonder, and joy—it can also lead to improved health outcomes. That’s one of the conclusions drawn from three separate studies examining the impact of wish granting on children with life-threatening conditions. Make-A-Wish UK fulfills the heartfelt wishes of children aged 3 to 18 facing critical illnesses. Granting a wish helps restore childhood stolen by serious illness, brings light and joy to children and their families, and leaves a lasting, profound impact on their lives.

Art of Wishes was founded in 2017 by the Idan and Batia Ofer Foundation to raise life-changing funds for Make-A-Wish UK. The foundation created a unique model that distinguishes its initiative: it leverages its global network of artists, collectors, galleries, and institutions to host fundraising events featuring works donated by renowned artists such as Tracey Emin, Jenny Saville, and Georg Baselitz. These artworks are sold at an annual event and a biennial auction. Given the high demand and long waiting lists for these artists’ works, the auction offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces by beloved artists—while helping make children’s wishes come true.

The highlight of these efforts is the Art of Wishes Gala, held every two years in partnership with a leading auction house: Phillips in 2019, Sotheby’s in 2021, and Christie’s in 2023. Since its founding, Art of Wishes has raised over £12 million, enabling the direct granting of more than 4,400 wishes.

The impact of a granted wish creates a positive memory that lasts for years—a sense of expanded possibilities for children and their families, opening the door to richer and fuller lives. The distraction from the child’s condition provides both physical health benefits and emotional relief for the entire family. Granting a wish gives children the chance to dream the impossible, to experience the seemingly unachievable, and to believe that they can live with or even overcome their illness.

Hattie’s Wish – A Shopping Trip in London
At age 10, Hattie developed shingles, which led to complications and nerve damage in her digestive system, ultimately resulting in inflammatory bowel disease. Her condition caused her to miss out on many typical teenage experiences—shopping trips, festivals, social events, and more. Spending so much time in the hospital with her mother made her miss her sister and father deeply. Her wish? To go on a shopping trip with her sister.

As part of her wish, Hattie and her family explored London, visited shops, and met her favorite celebrities. Hattie shared,
“The first time I was in London, I was in a wheelchair—I couldn’t walk properly. This time, I was in a limousine, I went shopping, and I met my favorite YouTubers. My sister and I screamed with excitement when we saw them!”

Her father added,
“Seeing Hattie do things with her sister was incredible. It was an experience none of us will ever forget. It meant the world to Hattie, her sister, and me.”

Sophia’s Wish – A Chocolate Banquet
Five-year-old Sophia was diagnosed with heart failure at just 10 weeks old. At two and a half, she underwent a heart transplant but later developed a severe reaction to her post-surgery medications. During recovery, she struggled with food textures—until a nurse gave her a taste of chocolate. She instantly fell in love with the flavor. Having spent most of her life in hospital, Sophia made a very special wish: a chocolate banquet.

As part of her wish, Sophia and her family attended a spectacular chocolate-making workshop, where she learned how to craft chocolates, decorate them however she liked, and of course—taste as much as she wanted. Later, Sophia described her magical day:
“I had SO much chocolate on my wish day! I felt like a princess at a chocolate party! I always feel so happy when I eat chocolate—it just melts in my mouth like magic!”

Her mother, Taz, shared:
“Sophia had an amazing day. She now has all these wonderful memories for life. Her wish gave her a break from constantly having to think about the reality of her condition. Supporting Make-A-Wish is an absolute must—you’re making so many children smile.”