Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Our youngest daughter Abbie had her dream fulfilled when this amazing charity arranged for her to meet her favourite band McFly.

When Abbie was 7 years old she was diagnosed with a massive brain tumour, she underwent brain surgery twice over the next few weeks followed by 14 months of chemotherapy and 6 further operations. Abbie then had a period of time where she was very well and it was then that she met McFly. If you asked her today that would still be her most amazing memory. In 2009 we had the devastating news that her tumour had grown again but this time it had also spread. She had to undergo her third brain surgery. This surgery left her with complete homonymous hemianopia which means she is registered blind, she also struggles with her audio memory and her brain processing speed is very slow along with other problems. Despite this, Abbie continues to do well. I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it has been for families in similar situations over the last two years managing their child’s illness alongside the extra worry and further isolation of Covid 19. Just knowing that people care enough to help out in such difficult times for all of us is, in itself, a truly wonderful thing.

This is actually our 13th year of fundraising and, thanks to your support and generosity, we have helped fulfill the wishes of over 26 children to go and see Santa Claus at his home in Lapland.  Our hope is that in December 2022 we will once again be able to send a very poorly child on this trip, giving them a positive focus during such a traumatic time and providing lasting memories for their family. If, however, this trip cannot be fulfilled, they will be treated in some other special way.

There are 4 events planned for this year.

Our first event is again a virtual one and all data is available to view.  Last year I Completed the ‘End to End’ trail which covered a distance of 1215 miles over the year.  My personal challenge this year is to beat that distance and I’ve decided to attempt to run/walk/cycle the distance between here and Greece, that is a total of 1621mile!

On Sunday 26th June we shall be walking a circular route around the Moorgreen/Watnall area and covering a half-marathon distance of 13.1 miles. As always we hope to be partaking of some celebratory drinks and food afterwards and almost certainly there will be a pub along the route too. At the time of writing, the group this year so far consists of myself, Rick, granddad Bob, friends Dave, Jo, Phil & dog Honey, Sarah & Charlotte, Dawn & dog Murphy, Helen,, Mark & Paula, Katherine & Sara, Tina & Phil, Alexa, Mark, Helen & Katie, Tracie, Gina & Paul, Stef, Jane and Carolyne, Simon & Caroline, Susan and Jayne.  However, there is always room for more!  I will update if others wish to join us.

As well as sending very poorly children to Lapland with When You Wish Upon A Star, we also want to help some other wonderful charities during the year. So, on Saturday 30th July we shall once again open our house and garden for “Afternoon Tea”, serving homemade cakes and refreshments and raising money for some other great causes. As always, everyone is welcome.

Then, on Sunday 11th September, I shall be in Newcastle to take part in the Great North Run,  dressed, as always, as a giant star.

This year When You Wish Upon A Star is celebrating 32 years of wish granting and we are so proud to be able to play a small part in that amazing story, every year we have managed to not only reach, but to exceed our target thanks to your amazing support and generosity. We are a team and together we are GREAT. Thank you so, so much!

Mandy x

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.