A wish can change everything
At Purple Heart Wishes, we create unforgettable moments for adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness aged between 18–55. A wish is more than just an experience—it’s a chance to escape, dream, and make lasting memories with loved ones.
What is a wish?
A "Wish" is a heartfelt grant made to individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness in their early adult life. Purple Heart Wishes focuses on creating and fulfilling these wishes to help these individuals make precious, everlasting memories with their families and friends. Essentially, a wish is an opportunity provided by the charity to bring some joy and comfort during a very challenging time, allowing recipients to experience something special that they desire.
Types of wishes we can help grant
Featured wish stories
Behind every wish is a moment that matters. Read more wish stories
Watching Arsenal play at home – and win!
My son Adam has always supported Arsenal and dreamed of going to watch them play at home and of course win! On 13th August 2022 his dream finally came true thanks to Purple Heart Wishes.
After the initial phone call from PHW’s where they explained they would do their very best for Adam I wasn't sure it would happen but it did.
We want to thank Purple Heart Wishes and Arsenal football club for making a dream come true at last for Adam. We will never forget your kindness, it makes you see there are still kind caring people in this world.
Chessington World of Adventures
Thank you for a fantastic 2 days, with an overnight stay at Chessington World of Adventures, we all had a truly amazing time and were able to make so many precious memories.
We would like to thank everyone for being so helpful with the whole process and the team at Purple Heart Wishes for granting us this wish. Also to the charity supporters and volunteers who make wishes like this possible.
To be given the chance to make such precious memories is something that is invaluable to us as a family.
Thank you again!
Day out to Harry Potter World
Thanks so much to Purple Heart Wishes for giving us an amazing day out at Harry Potter World this week.
Since my diagnosis we haven't been able to do much as a family and it was just so wonderful to be able to do something that we all loved so much, all being big Harry Potter fans! We had lots of smiles and fun, took lots of pictures and made some fantastic memories that my son and husband will be able to treasure for many years. Normally we couldn't afford a day out like this either, so we're really grateful to have had the opportunity to have such an amazing treat! Thanks so much again!!
All the best, Claire
Meet the wish granters
Mark & Jo, the dedicated people behind making Wishes happen. Learn more about us
Mark Kelly ✨
Mark works directly with wish recipients to create unforgettable experiences. His calm and compassionate nature helps turn dreams into reality.
Joanne Maw ✨
Jo is creative, thoughtful, and dedicated to ensuring every wish is delivered with the care and attention it deserves.
How it works
Every wish starts with a spark, and a little help from you. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or professional, our process is here to guide you through making that wish a reality. It’s simple, supportive, and focused on what matters most: the person at the heart of it.
Check eligibility
Before you get started, make sure the person you're referring meets our eligibility criteria.
Complete the form
Applications can be completed by yourself, a family member, friend or medical professional. We’ll ask for some key details and supporting information to help us understand how we can bring the wish to life.
We review the wish
Once you’ve submitted the form, our team will review the application to make sure everything’s in place. We might get in touch if we need more info or to chat through the next steps.
Let's make the magic happen
If the wish is approved, our wish granters will work with you and the person to make it a reality, safely, thoughtfully, and with plenty of excitement along the way.
Wish FAQs
Want to know more about how wishes work, who can apply, or what’s possible? Here are some of the questions we’re most often asked
Purple Heart Wishes grants wishes to young adults aged 18–55 living in the UK who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Each wish is unique! From events, days out, weekend breaks in the UK, gifts and surprises – we will try our very best to make your special moment happen.
You can apply by filling out our online Wish Application Form, or a family member, friend, or healthcare professional can apply on your behalf.
Once an application is submitted and approved, our team works as quickly as possible to organise the wish — timelines vary depending on the request.
No. Wishes are fully funded by Purple Heart Wishes through donations, fundraising, and sponsorships.