Every day of the year the charity gives brave young people the chance to do something they have previously only dreamed of.
Since being set up in 2003, Rays of Sunshine has granted more than 4,000 individual wishes.
Wishes can be as unique as the children themselves and whether a child wants to go to Disney World in Florida, own an iPad, meet a ‘real life’ mermaid or have a party at the hospice, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that wish come true.
The charity also grants ‘ward wishes’, which offer a distraction to hundreds of children during their time in hospital or a hospice.
Throughout the year the charity also organises outings and events for large groups of seriously ill children including parties, trips to theme parks and hospital activity/pamper days.
Racing car driver dream comes true for Jack
Most recently, we granted nine year old Jack’s greatest wish to be a real racing driver and drive a fast racing car.
Jack is currently living with a rare form of cancer, which he was diagnosed with at the age of six. His biggest passion is for fast cars and his greatest wish was to drive one for himself!
At the age of just nine, it was a tough challenge, but Rays of Sunshine was determined to make it happen.
The children’s charity was able to make Jack’s wish become a reality, with the help of Ginetta Cars, and organised for him and his family to travel to Leeds for a very special surprise.
Jack began his day in true racing driver style; being picked up at his hotel in a Lamborghini Aventador for the special occasion.
Upon arrival to a local airfield, the surprises kept coming when he was presented with his very own Ginetta racing suit, before enjoying a spin around the track with a professional driver. It was then Jack’s turn; the nine year old took the wheel, with the help of a professional driver, and enjoyed speeding around the track like a true racing driver.
Jack even got a peek at one of Ginetta’s race cars being prepped before travelling to New York to take part in a race, as well as meeting Ginetta’s professional driver Mike Simpson.
To top his action-packed day off, Jack enjoyed a tour of the factory, seeing how the race car he had driven was made.
Vicki, Jack’s mum, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day and more than we could have ever imagined. From the moment we arrive Oulton Hall Hotel, Jack was treated like a VIP.
“He was so surprised when the Lamborghini turned up at the hotel and even more surprised when he found out he would drive the racing car! It was so nice to see the smile on his face as he enjoyed spending time with the racing team and the cars.
“Rays of Sunshine and Ginetta Cars really pulled out all the stops to make Jack feel special, and it was certainly a day the entire family will never forget.”
If you would like to find out more about applying for a wish, please contact karen@raysofsunshine.org.uk or call the team on 020 8782 1171.
Leave a Reply