Emma Willis and Stephen Mulhern help Make-A-Wish host 150 families who had their Disney wish cancelled by the pandemic
EMMA Willis and Stephen Mulhern helped Make-A-Wish host 150 families who had their Disney wish cancelled by the pandemic.
The Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire has been transformed into an enchanted manor for the kids to enjoy a three-day stay.
Covid-19 restrictions have meant that over 500 seriously ill children have had to miss out on their wish of going to Disneyland Paris.
So the children's charity, The Kentown Wizard Foundation and The Walt Disney Company UK joined forces to put a smile back on their faces.
The first-of-its-kind experience has plenty of things for them to enjoy including the chance to grab breakfast with Mickey and friends, practice their web-slinging skills with Spider-Man, or even read a book with Belle.
A number of famous faces have volunteered their time at the event, including telly presenter Emma, 45, and magician Stephen, 44.
They went along to the venue earlier today to join all the fun and games and get to know the children, their families and find out more about their inspirational stories.
Speaking about the special event, Emma said: “The coronavirus has taken so much from so many people, so I’m thrilled that Make-A-Wish children are finally able to experience the magic of Disney that they’ve dreamed of.
"I’m so happy to be involved, watching dreams become realities and experiencing the joy that this event is so clearly bringing to these families.”
Stephen added: "If there is one thing I know about, it’s magic, so I’m over the moon to be able to get involved in the magical world of Disney today to help bring children’s wishes to life in a first of its kind event in the UK.
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"It’s an absolutely spell-binding experience.”
Disney and Make-A-Wish have been working together for over 40 years and granted their first ever wish in 1980.
They have gone on grant an amazing 140,000 wishes worldwide and one person who they managed to cheer up with the new event is Ella Wheatley.
The eight-year-old suffers from a genetic condition called GLUT1 and is over the moon that she's finally going to meet the Fairy Godmother.
Her mum Emily confessed that she had been dreaming about her wish to come true for the past three years.
She said: "She has been making a wish to meet her Fairy Godmother by blowing on her eyelashes for almost three years now, as she believes she is Cinderella!
"After all, Ella does have long blonde hair and the same name! She will be there wearing one of her beautiful dresses and clippy-cloppy shoes, with her hair curled, and make-up on!
She continued: "For us, it’s all about creating memories and it’s a relief that we don’t have to travel or cart around all the extra medical bits and pieces Ella needs.
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"I know it will be more magical for ALL of us not having to worry about all the extras involved in leaving the country.”
Disney UK, Make-A-Wish UK and The Kentown Wizard Foundation have joined forces to deliver the Disney Wish Experience, a first-of-its kind three-week event supporting 150 wish children and families from across the UK. To find out more please visit
