Four Offaly children had Make-A-Wish dreams come true last year

Make-A-Wish Ireland has launched an appeal for local volunteers and said it was able to make wishes come true for four children in Offaly last year. 

The children who had their wishes granted were living with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 

The charity is currently looking to recruit 30 Offaly volunteers to help out on 'Wish Day' which this year takes place on Friday, March 9. 

Volunteers are asked to give just a few hours of their time to sell wristbands in their local supermarket or shopping centre in order to raise much-needed funds. 

Making wishes come true can have a hugely positive impact on a child and their families, giving strength, hope and joy. 

Alex Coyne (8) from Tullamore is living with a rare disease called Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Last September, Make-A-Wish made Alex’s wish to go to Legoland come true, when he and his family flew to the UK for few days of fun, exploring the park and enjoying the rides.

Alex’s mother Beckie said, “We all really enjoyed it, especially Alex. We even shared a plane home with Brian O'Driscoll and Alex got to meet him!”

According to Make-A-Wish Ireland, children's wishes can range from being a princess for the day or meeting their hero, to going on a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday. Wherever possible, the child’s family is invited to share in the wish experience, creating lasting memories for all the family, the wider local community and all of those involved in granting the wish.

Make-A-Wish Ireland CEO, Susan O’Dwyer said, “Children with life-threatening illnesses need your help today. Your precious gift of time this Wish Day will enable us to make wishes come true for seriously ill children when they most need strength, hope and joy. 

"We have granted over 2,200 wishes for Irish children which would not be possible without the support of the Irish public. A few hours from the people of Offaly on Friday, March 9, to help raise valuable funds will make wishes come true for more children in your community.” 

Wish Day will take place across Ireland on Friday 9th March when Make-A-Wish volunteers will be selling wristbands and transfers, costing €2 each, at locations including Birr and Tullamore. 

All of of proceeds collected will support wish granting for children living with life-threatening illnesses. To sign up to volunteer visit www.makeawish.ie/wishday or contact Daragh on (01) 2052011 or daragh@makeawish.ie