Dreams & Wishes Charity brought festive cheer to 12 seriously ill children and their families with an unforgettable day in London. The charity, which is dedicated to creating cherished memories for children with life-threatening conditions, delivered a magical experience filled with surprises and a sprinkling of Christmas spirit.
The day began with a special visit to the iconic House of Commons, where the group was warmly welcomed by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his wife, Lady Catherine Hoyle. Sir Lindsay shared heartfelt words with the children, aged between three and nine years old, saying:
“I know Christmas has arrived when I see your smiling faces. Welcome to Parliament – you’ve made my Christmas. My dreams and wishes have come true, and you’ve brought this place to life.”
Guests were treated to a festive lunch in the historic Speaker’s House, adorned with Christmas decorations. Afterward, Father Christmas and Lady Hoyle delighted the children with presents, while Frozen princesses Elsa and Anna, along with Peter Pan, added an extra touch of magic to the occasion. Soldiers from the Welsh Guards and 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards also joined the festivities. The children were also invited to sing Christmas songs, accompanied by Dominic Ferris, the ‘piano player to the stars,’ who has produced albums for Dame Shirley Bassey, Michael Ball, and Alfie Boe.
The fun continued with a visit to the London Eye, courtesy of Merlin’s Magic Wand, where the children and their families enjoyed spectacular views of the city illuminated for the season.
Tony Curtis, MBE, founder of Dreams and Wishes, said the annual visit to Parliament was a highlight for the families.
“Speakers from Bernard Weatherill to Sir Lindsay Hoyle have always given a warm welcome to the charities I have been involved in for 35 years,” he said. “Most of the children we support are suffering from life-threatening illnesses and spend a lot of time in hospital receiving treatment. Parliament is such a magical place, and this visit gives the youngsters and their families a break from all of that – a chance to be themselves and enjoy receiving presents from Father Christmas.”
The day was further enhanced by performances from Dominic Ferris and the support of the Welsh Guards and 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, who helped create an unforgettable experience for the children.
Dreams & Wishes Charity, entirely volunteer-led, continues to make a profound difference by organising moments that families will treasure forever. “Every penny we raise goes toward fulfilling the wishes of seriously ill children and creating special moments like this one,” added Paris Collingbourne, volunteer for Dreams and Wishes Charity. “Seeing the joy these experiences bring to both the children and their families is what drives us. We are incredibly grateful for the amazing supporters who make this possible.”
