<Rays of Sunshine was formed in 2003 to brighten the lives of children who are living with serious illnesses between the ages of three-18, across the United Kingdom.>

Our Purpose

There are over 85,000 children and young people living in the UK with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness*. This figure is increasing every year.

Rays of Sunshine brightens the lives of seriously ill young people and their families by granting wishes and providing ongoing support within hospitals.

We believe that every child deserves to experience happiness and put their illness on hold – even if it is just for one day.

Our work creates a positive distraction, reduces isolation, improves self-esteem and creates precious memories and smiles.

To date, our work has reached over 80,000 seriously ill children and their families.

*Make Every Child Count Study, University of York, 2018

<We'll never ever be able to thank you enough for what you did for Daniel, what you did for all of us. You're as important to us as the surgeon who saved his life, the oncologist who keeps him well, the radiologist who monitors him and the nurses who care for him.>

What we do

We brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families by granting magical wishes, hosting interactive hospital activity days and granting hospital ward wishes.

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<No matter what the future holds for Lauren we will always have the memories of seeing her run towards the mermaid and the look on her face.>

Our Values

Our values are at the heart of everything we do and help guide us in our mission to grant more magical wishes for seriously ill children.

 

Kindness

We are kind to ourselves and others in everything we do.

 

 

Joy

We work with fun, passion, and a sprinkle of magic.

 

 

Empowerment

We work to build confidence and nurture potential.

 

 

Connection

We build strong connections with everyone in our wish community.

 

 

Integrity

We are honest and trusted to do the right thing.

Our Impact

Read the latest Rays of Sunshine Impact Report taking a look back at 2023 - an amazing year, where we granted 358 magical wishes thanks to supporters like you.

To tell the story of our year, we have Delilah’s dream wish to see Pink live, a look back at amazing Wish Community events, and our Sunshine in Hospitals work across the UK.

Find out more