One in five Scots wish for wealth over health and happiness

Time to forget health and forego happiness? New local research by Make-A-Wish UK reveals one in five Scots just wish to be rich

•  World Wish Day® (Sunday, 29th April) is an international celebration of the anniversary of the wish that inspired Make-A-Wish®, the charity that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
• Research reveals Scottish residents most popular wishes from their own childhood, with the most popular ‘always being on holiday’ (15%), not going to school (13%) and ‘being famous’ (12%) coming out on top.

Ahead of World Wish Day tomorrow, new research commissioned by children’s wishgranting charity Make-A-Wish UK reveals that, even as adults, we never really stop wishing, but our values may change slightly.

When asked what they would wish for, granted one wish, Scots said; being rich (20%), being healthy (16%) and being happy (13%). Yet, as kids, they would have wished to be on holiday constantly (15%), to not ever have to go to school (13%) and to be famous (12%).

The survey also found that nearly a third (32%) of Scottish adults still keep their wishes secret in the hope that they will come true.

Make-A-Wish has been granting the wishes of children with critical illnesses around the world since 1980 and this Sunday (29th April) marks the anniversary of the wish which inspired Make-A-Wish, when a young American boy battling leukaemia was helped to fulfil his dream of being a policeman for the day.

To date, more than 12,000 wishes have been granted in the UK, and more than 415,000 worldwide. Of the 905 wishes granted in the UK in 2017, the most popular three wishes were holidays to Disneyland Paris, wishes to own a spa pool (which can help children cope with the physical and mental challenges of a critical illness), and wishes to have a family holiday in Europe.

More children than ever before are asking Make-A-Wish UK to grant their One True Wish. Children like seven-year-old Danny, (top) who wishes to be a King for a day, and six-year-old Evie-Mai, (above) who wishes to visit her Uncle in Sweden.

In 2017, Make-A-Wish granted 142 wishes to children in Scotland, including seven-year-old Leah, from Dundee, who is fighting a brain tumour and wished to be a teacher. In 2018, Make-A-Wish wants to grant 1,200 children’s wishes and, this World Wish Day, the charity is asking for your help.

Jason Suckley, CEO, Make-A-Wish® UK said: “Children have the most fantastical imaginations. Whether it’s a make-believe astronaut with a cardboard box for a rocket, or a wannabe pop star with a hairbrush. But, when a child is battling a life-threatening illness, hopes and wishes for the future can seem as far away as the moon. Long hospital stays, surgery, medication and endless appointments take over and leave little time for play and laughter. 

“We seek to create a unique and life-changing wish for every child who turns to us. For a desperately ill child, their wish can be transformative – giving them hope for a positive future, strength to fight their condition and the chance to re-introduce the wonderful joy of childhood. This World Wish Day, we need your help to grant wishes and give these children the chance to rediscover the childhood they deserve.

“If you have ever wished for something, and can imagine the feeling of that wish coming true, please donate to Make-A-Wish and help a poorly child’s One True Wish come true.” 

Bradley Walsh, TV Presenter and Actor, said: “As a patron of Make-A-Wish UK I have witnessed first-hand how wishes change lives. A wish is so much more than just a day, they have physical and emotional benefits.

“When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope. By granting their One True Wish, a seriously ill child is given resilience and strength to fight. This World Wish Day, we want to celebrate all the wishes that have been granted, and thank everyone that makes them possible.”

Jack Maynard, YouTube sensation (eh? – Ed), says:  “I’m really excited to be working with Make-A-Wish UK, the wishes they grant make such a huge difference to children with critical illnesses and their families so I’m really honoured to be able to help.

“I hope all my viewers get behind the World Wish Day campaign and I can’t wait for my super exciting World Wish Day event…expect music, a lot of PIZZA and huge amounts of fun, more to be shared on World Wish Day!”

To donate or find out more about Make-A-Wish visit make-a-wish.org.uk