About Us

In early 2022 my father had problems eating. He called the GP and following an appointment with the nurse a referral was made for an endoscopy. On February 9th I dropped my Dad at the hospital and a few hours later was called to go and collect him. Walking into the hospital to collect I was oblivious that our lives were about to change forever.

During the procedure, they found a tumour. They anticipated surgery and chemotherapy but said Dad’s otherwise good health gave him a positive outlook. Sadly just 8 days later they advised us Dad’s cancer was stage 4 and his cancer was terminal. His prognosis was 12-18 months.

Our lives had changed forever and we each looked at ways to try and make such devastating news manageable. Having worked in healthcare, specifically palliative care I instantly took on the caring role. However, this was different. This wasn’t a patient, t wasn’t even a friend. This was my Dad, my Hero.....

Shortly after life quickly became a cycle of hospital visits, whether it was surgery, blood tests, chemotherapy or meetings with specialists. Every moment was consumed by this awful disease.

Sadly just 15 weeks and 4 days from the first diagnosis we lost our much loved Husband, Dad, Bampi, Brother-In-Law, Uncle and friend to many. Complications had taken him from us far too soon and our hearts were broken.

The only consolation we had was during those weeks we were able to shower him with love. Everything he could possibly need he had. Whether it was something medically, such as a wedge pillowor gifts from a lego themed LFC Football stadium, we were in a position to give it all to him.

Our beloved Dad left this world knowing he was loved beyond measure and though he left us far too soon we were able to make those last few weeks as comfortable as possible in the saddest of circumstances.

Our Plans

Whilst Dad was with us we talked about the cost of having a life-limiting disease. Following Dad’s diagnosis, he suddenly needed different food, high fat etc. The chemotherapy caused neuropathy and he suddenly felt the cold a lot more. Dad was self-employed and due to retire but anyone facing a similar diagnosis would face work challenges.
Combining the cost of living crisis with a life-limiting diagnosis and the high costs that come with that I was keen to look at providing something to help those going through similar experiences as my Dad. I discussed it with Dad and he agreed, whilst he was fortunate to be given all he needed many could benefit from help no matter how small. The idea of Gift A Wish was realised. Dad loved the idea and we set about organising it. Sadly, with Dad’s passing just weeks later there has been a delay in setting it up but in those early days, Dad was able to see the first company that agreed to support this valuable venture. I will forever be grateful to MESOA for sending us the first donation as it means Dad knew people believed in the idea and now it will be Dad’s legacy.

What does Gift A Wish offer?

Gift A Wish is contacting companies throughout the UK asking them to support the cause. Companies offer a product, service, activity etc. This will then be placed on the website and individuals can apply for them. To apply for a gift certain criteria has to be met and certain exclusions may apply. (E.g. Safety exclusions set by a company for an activity day)

A company may set a used by date on their gift so if it is not claimed it will be removed from the site. Other companies may wish to offer repeat gifts, such as once a month. All information will be detailed.

If there is something specific someone is looking for and time is of the essence please get in touch. This could be attending a sports game, a wedding etc. Whilst these are big requests having been a wedding planner and organised various events we see no challenge impossible.

There are other companies doing similar and many are understandably child focussed or are area specific. We have no age range and are country wide. However as there doesn’t appear to be a similar Welsh based organisation for adults and many gifts and experiences being in Wales, priority will be given to those in Wales.