Meet Sanna

18-year-old Sanna is a budding photographer, and loves to be creative. Sanna juggles family time and studying for her A-Levels with hospital appointments throughout the week. Sanna was diagnosed with renal disease shortly after birth. She received her first kidney transplant in 2013, aged just eight. Unfortunately, this transplant failed in 2016, which has left her relying on dialysis treatment. Currently, Sanna must have around four hours of dialysis treatment three to four times a week. 

“I have to be in hospital quite a lot, but as I’ve got older I have learned to accept it more,” says Sanna. “It was scary when I was younger, but now I understand a lot more about why I have to go through certain painful procedures – and that makes me less afraid.” 

Why Sanna chose the wish

Sanna was introduced to Olly Murs by her sister and has fond memories of watching his music videos together. When it came to her wish, she wanted the chance to meet one of her idols and make some new memories.

“I have so many memories of watching Olly’s videos with my sisters, so it felt in a way like I already knew him,” Sanna explains.  

Our friends at The Fragrance Shop were able to help us deliver this wish, giving Sanna & Olly the chance to have a go on their high-tech EveryHuman AI machine, which designs unique perfumes for every individual.

On the day

The special day began with Sanna asking Olly lots of different questions, including his favourite colour, which he said was yellow because its the colour for Rays of Sunshine, the charity he has been an ambassador for for more than a decade. Sanna says he was just as fun and warm as she hoped he would be.  

When Sanna mentioned to Olly and The Fragrance Shop team that she studies photography, they instantly welcomed her to put her own creative spin on her wish. From behind the camera, Sanna directed Olly to strike poses – resulting in some great pictures which Sanna can use for her professional portfolio.  

“My favourite bit of the day was definitely being able to get behind the camera with Olly. I pretended that I was shooting an advert for the perfumes we made, and I think the pictures came out really well!” Sanna says.  

The pair also got to try the EveryHuman machine, and produce three unique fragrances for each other – a long-lasting reminder of their special day.

The impact of the wish

“I have to do a lot of juggling in my life to balance my A-Levels with my hospitals. I have to be really aware of my body and how I feel, which can sometimes be really hard,” she says. “But then days like today come around, and I just feel so lucky. I think this is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me.”  

Reflecting on the wish, Sanna adds: “My confidence was lacking before the wish. But even with that one experience, I feel louder. I’m not scared to say what I want to say.”