A dedicated children’s charity that makes seriously ill children’s dreams come true has appointed Mark Colbourne MBE and Alix Popham as ambassadors.
Dreams & Wishes, established in South Wales in 2011, is an award-winning volunteer-based charity that uses every penny raised to support children across the UK with serious, often life-limiting illnesses and their families, and helping to build happy memories.
The charity welcomes former Welsh Paralympic-cyclist Mark Colbourne and former Welsh rugby union player Alix Popham as ambassadors. Mark is perhaps best known for his performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games which saw him secure the first medal for Team GB when he won Silver in the 1km individual time trial, followed by Gold in the 3km pursuit and another Silver in the 3km sprint. Alix, meanwhile, has gained 33 caps for his country, making his international debut for Wales in June 2003 against Australia. He went on to play in two Rugby World Cups and helped Wales to win the 6 Nations Grand Slam in 2008. The athletic duo join existing ambassadors including Joe Calzaghe, Mark Hudson and Craig Noone, and will represent the charity in a professional capacity while supporting the fundraising efforts.
Dreams & Wishes Business Ambassador, Wendy Hobbs, who introduced Mark and Alix to the charity said: “I met both Alix and Mark at this year’s Zokit Awards where we won the ‘Online Influence’ and ‘Breakthrough Brand’ awards and I was honoured to be named the ‘Inspiring Leader’. After I explained a bit about the charity, both sport stars jumped at the chance to join the team and help in any way they can, which was so kind of them.
“Battling a life-threatening illness is heart-breaking for both a child and their support network and can often mean countless hospital stays, painful treatments and a loss of a ‘childhood’, something which most children take for granted.
“We understand that every child is unique with their own dreams and wishes, so it is our aim to make sure that every child we work with is able to fulfil their wishes. Some children want to meet their favourite TV stars, fly in a helicopter, visit Legoland or to just have their own playhouse. No matter how big or small a child’s dream is, our wonderful team of volunteers are dedicated to making sure it comes true.”
Mark Colbourne MBE said:
“I feel so honoured to be an Ambassador for Dreams & Wishes because every child deserves to have their dreams and wishes come true.”
Alix Popham said: “I was extremely proud to be asked to be become an Ambassador for Dreams & Wishes as it does so much amazing work to put a smile on children’s faces, with 100% of ALL money raised going into making the children happy.”
Ray Tee, a parent supported by the charity, said “At our lowest moments Dreams & Wishes gave us our happiest times!”
Dreams & Wishes recently held a charity ball at The Exchange Hotel which raised an incredible £17,500. At the fundraiser, Mark Colbourne delivered an inspirational speech to the 260 guests and saw him raise £2,200 for a commemorative Olympic stamp he donated.
On October 13, Dreams & Wishes will be hosting a charity lunch at Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel in Usk. To buy tickets, or find out more about the charity call 0330 111 0333, email [email protected] or visit www.dreamsandwishescharity.org.
