Dreams and Wishes

Dreams and Wishes is a UK-based charity founded in 2011 by Tony Curtis MBE, dedicated to granting unforgettable wishes and creating positive memories for seriously ill children up to age 21 and their families. Operating entirely on volunteers with no paid staff or government funding, it ensures every donation directly benefits beneficiaries, embodying values of compassion, dignity, and joy amid crisis. Its mission focuses on relieving suffering through practical and emotional support—ranging from one-off gifts like laptops or iPads for learning during treatment, to entertainment events, seasonal parties, celebrity meet-and-greets, and family trips—prioritizing personal happiness over medical research or systemic healthcare.

The charity supports children with any serious or life-threatening illness, from birth to 21, and their families across the entire UK without geographic restrictions. Applications are needs-led, typically via professional referral (doctor, consultant, or social worker letter confirming the condition), and accepted from families or professionals on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Unsolicited applications are welcomed via online form or phone, limited to one per child, with decisions made year-round as needs arise; grant amounts are tailored to individual wishes, from small gifts to major experiences, and not published as ranges. Notably, Dreams and Wishes does not fund organizations, projects, core costs, or capacity building—only direct individual wish-granting. Distinctive for granting over 2,000 wishes, its multi-award-winning, grassroots model fosters family connections and emotional impact, setting it apart as a purely volunteer-driven force for hope.