OUR STORY
Our story is a special one. Children’s Wishes was founded by five individuals from the local business community who came together with one shared goal — to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
There are no frills and no salaries, just a genuine commitment to helping children within our community.
Our charity was created to support families facing some of life’s toughest challenges, including poverty, terminal illness, abuse, neurodivergence and many other difficult circumstances.
We aim to provide relief and support where it is needed most — often in ways that schools and other charities are simply not designed or funded to deliver. By working closely with communities, we help bridge the gaps and provide practical and emotional support to families when they need it most.
Meet the team: Our trustees work tirelessly to guide the charity and ensure we continue to deliver meaningful support.
Craig Lewis
Director. Hex 360 Construction
Trustee
Head of Curriculum Development
Caroline Wilson
Head of Curriculum Development
Chair Trustee
Head of Curriculum Development
Luke Lauri
Head of Curriculum Development
Trustee
Head of Curriculum Development
David Barrett
Chief Education Strategist
Trustee
Head of Curriculum Development
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Jeanette Gerrard
Director. Hex 360 Construction
Trustee
Head of Curriculum Development
Sharron Nance
Director. Hex 360 Construction
Trustee
Head of Curriculum Development
Our history
Children’s Wishes has grown through community support, partnerships and dedicated fundraising.Milestones and achievements will be highlighted here, including updates for 2025 and beyond.
2021
Caroline Wilson, Luke Lauri and Craig Lewis decided to raise money to make Christmas time special for children based in Plymouth who were living in poverty.
The trio set up a go fund me page and reached out to members of the public to nominate families.
In the first Christmas, Caroline, Luke and Craig supported 30 families, having raised just
under £4,000.
2022
Following the impact of the first year, they decided to do it again in 2022 and opted to reach out to local, inner-city schools.
Started to work closely with local schools and head teachers to understand requirement and it became apparent there was a need for support all year round, not just at Christmas.
In year two they raised just under £7,000 and supported just under 50 families.
2023
Provided Hugs (Children’s Cancer charity) with food hampers and Christmas gifts for terminally ill children.
Raised £10,500 and supported over 70 families.
Partnered with Patches (St Lukes Hospice) and provided 200 Memory Bears for children who are losing a loved one.
Supplied a Summer Play House for children visiting a terminally ill loved one at St Lukes Hospice.
2024
Officially founded as a Charitable Trust.
The addition of two trustees, Fitzroy Spencer and David Barrett, who had both been touched by the incredible work of the charity and wanted to support it further.
Supported a family with a terminally ill child to have one last holiday together. Assisted a family with a funeral for one of their children.
Supplied vouchers for day trips for a family whose mother, in her early thirties, is terminally ill.
Supplied a bed for a seven-year-old child who was sleeping on floorboards.
Supplied back-to-school essentials for a family struggling in poverty.
10,000
Lives Touched
Every Hand Helps Us Grow
500
Volunteers
Uniting Hearts and Actions
250
Projects Completed
Milestones of Hope and Change
Our mission
2026 / 2027
Our goal is to support 1,000 children during the Christmas period, delivering joy, support and unforgettable memories to families who need it most.
Schools & Charity Partnerships
We work closely with schools and other charitable organisations to identify families who need support and deliver meaningful help where it is needed most.
TESTIMONIALS
The charity continues to go above and beyond by supporting families facing hardship, especially those spending a final Christmas together. Through thoughtful gifts, Christmas wishes and food hampers, they help ensure that families can still experience moments of warmth, joy and celebration. They have also arranged occasional holidays and special breaks, giving families precious time together to make lasting memories.
Penny Hannah – St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth
I seriously can't thank you enough. The many SEN children we have are really looking forward to having their sensory room painted and all your wonderful gifts put in there.
Also, the young child you have enabled to attend the residential, and the children with their new carpet flooring. Obviously, the children's faces won't be visible except for those in the SEN room. We wouldn't have been able to raise money for any of these things. You all do an amazing job, and the kindness of businesses that help restore faith that there are genuine caring people.
Lesley Kirkland – HomeSchool Liaison Officer, Teaching Assistant
The kindness and compassion shown to bereaved children through this charity has been truly beyond supportive. One of the most touching gifts they provide are the beautiful teddies with recordable voices, allowing parents who are coming to the end of their lives to leave a personal message for their children. These bears become treasured keepsakes, helping children hold on to the voice and love of someone they will miss so deeply.
Penny Hannah – St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth
