Lisburn News

Joshua pulls out winning ticket to help dreams come true

by MARY MAGEE

Making the draw are from left to right: Paul Best, Julie McCulllagh, Krissie Hammond, Louise Hull, Susan McCullagh, Carrie Whylie, David Bell, in front Lucinda White and Joshua Fletcher.

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2011, and to mark the occasion NI Volunteer Team have been working very hard to raise funds to help grant magical wishes to children living with life threatening conditions.

During 2011 volunteers have visited over 60 children who have been referred to Make-A-Wish and wish requests have varied from meeting Westlife to visiting Disney Land, being a Princess for a day to owning an IPod.

Since August 2011, Make-A-Wish Volunteers have attended many venues throughout Northern Ireland selling Raffle Tickets for a Hot Air Balloon Ride & Luxury Hamper. These have included car boot sales, shopping malls, wedding fairs and school fetes. The Balloon Ride was kindly donated by a Co Down business man, and Luxury Hamper was compiled from other donations.

Ticket sales have raised £2339 and the team were delighted that Moira schoolboy Joshua Fletcher agreed to draw the winning ticket during a function at Lisburn's Premier Inn.

He and his family flew to Disney Paris in 2007 when Joshua had his wish granted.

This was only one of many fundraising events in 2011, which included a Quiz night, participating in the Lisburn Fun Run and a Camel Race Night. In all the team raised over £5000.

Fundraising plans for next year are already in progress. If anyone would like more details of Make-A-Wish Northern Ireland fundraising events or would like to help in anyway, please contact Gail McKee, Fund Raising Manager, Tel No 02890 805580.

mary.magee@ulsterstar.co.uk

Ulster Star
06/01/2012