Update: Make-A-Wish has raised more than £300,000 with the help of 45+ content creators during the Wish 200 Week.
To mark the week, eight-year-old Michael Broad from Waterlooville in Hampshire, was granted his wish to meet his favourite YouTuber DanTDM. On July 22nd, Michael, his six-month-old brother Jasper, Mum Kayleigh, and Dad Dale spent the day at the Sky Guild Gaming Centre in London, where Michael had a unique one-on-one session with DanTDM.
Original article: The charity Make-A-Wish UK is bringing together gamers, content creators and the games industry to help grant 200 wishes for critically ill children across the country.
Creators already signed up to take part in the ‘Wish 200 Week’ campaign include DanTDM, Slogo and Jelly, and Smallish Beans from Hermitcraft server. From July 22nd until 28th 2024, audiences will be able to watch their favourite gamers such as Knightenator, Becsters and SariaSlays stream challenges, and support in raising vital funds for Make-A-Wish UK.
The charity is encouraging as many creators to sign up and take part as possible.
To kick off this year, ten-year-old Ewan Reeve from Isle of Wight, was granted his wish to meet YouTubers Slogo and Jelly after finding much needed distraction and community with their gaming videos whilst recovering from surgery for a brain tumour.
During their time together, Slogo, Jelly and Ewan sat down to play Minecraft, building a mansion with the Minecraft pros before battling some zombies, Ewan’s favourite part of the wish. Even Ewan’s brother Finley, also a fan of the gaming duo, was able to have a play.
More than 63,000 children in the UK like Ewan 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 in recent years, with more children than ever finding a lifeline in gaming whilst undergoing treatment for critical conditions, meaning many of the wishes will go to members of the gaming community themselves.
“After having gone through so much he was quite shy, but on his wish, he was chatting to Slogo and Jelly so much – he was so confident!” said mum Stefanie. “Seeing him so happy meant so much for Ewan and I, it’s all you want as a parent.”
The charity is calling on studios and developers, gamers and streamers to get involved with Wish 200 Week and grant wishes with every game to raise funds for 200 wishes for critically ill children just like Ewan.
“A growing number of our wishes are gaming focused, and we know these gaming related wishes have a hugely positive impact on improving a young person’s mental health at a time when they need it the most. We are calling on streamers, gamers, and industry partners to take part in Wish 200 Week by streaming, fundraising and donating to help us to grant even more wishes, sooner.”
Jason Suckley, Make-A-Wish UK
Rob Small, President and Co-Founder of Miniclip, helped the charity to create the Wish 200 Week campaign.
Rob said: “I’m very proud to support Wish 200 Week again this year. Over the years it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact that wishes can have on critically ill children.
“For children battling critical illness, there is no time to wait for a wish that could bring joy, healing and strength during their toughest times and Make-A-Wish UK needs our help to grant more wishes, sooner – before it’s too late.
“The community spirit we have in the games industry is unmatched, so it’s no surprise that so many people come together each year and harness that to help create incredible memories for families to treasure forever, no matter what the future holds. I would urge everyone to join us in making this Wish 200 Week the biggest yet.”
Partners supporting the campaign include Miniclip, First Touch Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Overclockers UK, Logitech G, Play Ventures, Playrix, Diva Agency and Perpetual Games.
Jason Suckley, Chief Executive at Make-A-Wish UK, said: “Every child deserves to wish for more than a life defined by illness. Gaming is a lifeline for children undergoing treatment and unable to attend school or clubs with their friends. It allows children to leave behind the everyday realities of their condition, bringing entertainment, connection and achievement into their lives.
“A growing number of our wishes are gaming focused, and we know these gaming related wishes have a hugely positive impact on improving a young person’s mental health at a time when they need it the most. We are calling on streamers, gamers, and industry partners to take part in Wish 200 Week by streaming, fundraising and donating to help us to grant even more wishes, sooner.”
To find out how to get involved in the campaign visit the Wish 200 Week page here
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
