Wish child Isla treated to VIP London stay and sightseeing experience, after her wish photo featured as part of Ubiquitous campaign

Rays of Sunshine was delighted to invite 10-year-old wish child Isla and her family to London, after she became the star of our taxi awareness campaign with Ubiquitous. 

Back in October 2023, Rays of Sunshine granted budding writer Isla her greatest wish, to meet authors Jacqueline Wilson and Ali Pye, after she’d been diagnosed with a brain tumour.  

More than a year later, a picture of Isla on her wish was featured on an iconic London cab as part of Rays of Sunshine’s awareness campaign with taxi company Ubiquitous. Inside, taxi passengers are able to read more about Rays of Sunshine’s work by scanning QR codes on the seat posters.   To mark the occasion, Isla and her family, mum Sarah, dad David and little sister Anya, were invited to London to see the bright yellow taxi, and tour the city’s sights in it.  

The family were treated to a luxury overnight stay at The Clermont Hotel in Victoria – another of Rays of Sunshine’s treasured charity partners. There, staff decorated the family’s room with balloons and treats, and even organised a special treasure hunt throughout the hotel for Isla and Anya to enjoy.  

After spending the night at the Clermont, Isla and her family were picked up from the hotel by the special Ubiquitous yellow taxi, and offered a bespoke tour of London, including iconic spots like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace – where they even got to witness the changing of the guard!

Speaking about the day, Isla said: “Thank you to Rays of Sunshine and Ubiquitous – driving around London in the taxi with a picture of me on was one of the best days I have ever had! I felt like a celebrity.  

“Also, our stay at The Clermont was amazing and they treated us like stars. Me and my family had the best time! I love that my wish picture is helping to raise money so that other children can have a brilliant wish just like I did.” 

Amy Chambers, Chief of Staff & Director of Fundraising and Communications at Rays of Sunshine, said: “Partnering with Ubiquitous has been a fantastic way for us to raise awareness in and around London of the work we do, brightening the lives of seriously ill children.  

“We are so grateful to the team at Ubiquitous for helping us organise such a special day for Isla to come face to face with our Sunshine Taxi and thank you to the wonderful driver who ensured she had the best time seeing all the iconic sights in London.” 

“Thank you also to The Clermont, for giving Isla and her family a VIP overnight stay – and for their continued support in helping us grant wishes for more deserving children like Isla.”  

A Ubiquitous spokesperson said: “On behalf of the whole team at Ubiquitous, it has been an absolute honour working alongside Rays of Sunshine. By bringing the charity’s important message to the streets through their eye-catching taxi, we aim to amplify their efforts in granting wishes and brightening the lives of seriously ill children.  

“This partnership is a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and show our shared commitment to spreading joy and making a meaningful impact. We are delighted to support such an inspiring cause and hope it encourages others to get involved as well.” 

Natasha Ludlow, General Manager at The Clermont, Victoria, said: “I’m thrilled that The Clermont Victoria has been able to collaborate with Rays of Sunshine, a charity that holds a special place in my heart.  

“Over the years I’ve had the privilege of seeing the joy and unforgettable moments they have created for wish children and their families across various hotels within Clermont Hotel Group – our team loves helping to make these wishes come true, ensuring every visit is as magical as possible.”