Gamers, gaming industry leaders and content creators are being asked to come together and help grant 200 life-changing wishes for critically ill children across the UK.
Make-A-Wish UK’s Wish 200 Week between 24–30 July 2023 invites gamers to do sponsored live streams, challenges and special events to help raise money to make magical wishes come true for up to 200 children aged between 3-18 years-old.
More than 63,000 children in the UK have been diagnosed with a critical condition and are eligible for a wish. That number is estimated to reach over 73,000 by 2030.
Make-A-Wish UK has seen a 400% increase in gaming-related wishes since 2017, with more children than ever finding solace in gaming whilst undergoing treatment for critical conditions, meaning many of the wishes will go to members of the gaming community themselves.
Since 2021 when Wish 200 Week was first established, the gaming community has come together to raise a staggering £696,000 and delivered over 300 wishes to critically ill children and their families, helping them to create long-lasting memories.
11-year-old Cameron who lives with Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition resulting in several heart defects, got a surprise wish to meet YouTuber SB737. After hearing SB737’s voice, Cameron knew that he’d finally be meeting his idol.
“The surprise on his face was the best part of the wish! It was so special because it was something that money can’t buy,” said Mum, Victoria.
“With a disability it’s hard for him to go out and play,” said Victoria. “Gaming allows him to play with his friends and it provides a way for him to escape reality as he immerses himself into the action of videogame characters.”
For Cameron, his favourite part of the wish was being able to hang out with SB737 and play games together. Watching Cameron meet his idol was the highlight of the trip for Victoria: “I loved watching Cameron talk to him and share photos of the day with his mates. To see Cameron so happy is all I ever wished for, Make-A-Wish made that happen – so my wish has also been granted!” said Victoria.
Under the campaign slogan, ‘1 Week, 20 hours, your way’ content creators including CozyGamerKat will be holding live streams with all the money raised will go directly to granting wishes for 200 more children and young people.
Jason Suckley, Chief Executive of Make-A-Wish UK said: “Gamers and non-gamers alike have the power to help us grant wishes for as many critically ill children across the UK as possible, many who have had childhood stolen away from them by their illness.
“We’re receiving a growing number of gaming-related wishes, which we know can leave a profound and lasting impact on critically ill children and their families. ”
Gamers wanting to set up a live stream or special event can sign up to offer their support here and people can watch and support them to reach their fundraising totals.
Non-gamers can also take part and support those children who are waiting for a wish by entering the Make-A-Wish prize draw to win the ultimate gaming bundle consisting of a gaming PC built by Gaming Content Creator Sacriel, a gaming desk and chair bundle, Xbox and a PS5.
And for those who can’t take part during the week, are still able to complete their 20-hour challenge at a time that suits them.
Miniclip, who have supported Make-A-Wish UK for many years, have now officially partnered with the charity and are once again supporting this year’s campaign.
Miniclip’s CEO, Saad Choudri, said: “This is our third year of supporting this incredible campaign. It’s great to see our industry come together to raise much-needed funds to help make these children’s wishes come true.
“Together, with our friends in the gaming industry and our players, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these children.”
Rob Small, President and Co-Founder of Miniclip, is a Patron for Make-A-Wish UK. Rob helped the charity to create the Wish 200 Week campaign. Rob said: “It has been a joy to see the gaming community coming together to help grant wishes for fellow gamers over the years.
“Seeing the support that Make-A-Wish has received, I am proud to be part of an industry that is using its power to help others. Wish 200 Week is an urgent campaign to ensure more children receive their wishes in time. I hope the industry will once again help them rise to this challenge and change the lives of seriously ill children.”
Supporters and sponsors who are supporting the campaign include: Miniclip, Hutch, MTG, First Touch Games, Sports Interactive, Venatus, Tripledot and SUMO Group.
To find out how to get involved in the campaign, visit:
make-a-wish.org.uk/wish200week.
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