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Sam Ryder and Make-A-Wish Children Perform at Disneyland Paris
The performance was part of the launch of the Disney Music Festival…
Four remarkable children living with critical illnesses had their wish granted to go to Disneyland Paris this weekend, with an unforgettable moment as they joined British music star Sam Ryder on stage for a performance in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at the launch of Disney Music Festival.
The emotional performance, timed to coincide with World Wish Day – which takes place annually on 29th April – was the result of a collaboration between Disneyland Paris, Make-A-Wish, and Sam Ryder – celebrating the life-changing power of a wish and the magic of music.
Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together for 45 years, granting over 165,000 wishes around the world – and with more than 20,000 wishes that have been granted at Disneyland Paris since opening in 1992, bringing moments of hope, joy, and strength to children and their families when they need it most. Disney is proud to be the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish globally, granting a wish every hour of every day across the world.
“Singing with these amazing kids was honestly one of the most meaningful and heartwarming things I’ve ever done,” said Sam Ryder. “They met as strangers, and it was a joy to watch them become friends as we bonded over the power of music and singing. The whole experience was so pure, and it’s been a real honour that I will cherish forever.”
Sam, a proud supporter of Make-A-Wish UK, described working with the charity as “the best of humanity.” He added: “It transcends everything – politics, beliefs, all of it. It’s only good. It brings out the best in everyone, and I just feel so lucky to be around that energy.”
In the lead-up to the performance, the children joined Sam at the legendary AIR Studios in Hampstead, London, for a special rehearsal session. There, they learned the newly written song “Viva La Musique” and practiced together in the same iconic space used by some of the world’s biggest artists and composers.
The special performance also coincided with the launch of Disney Music Festival, a new seasonal celebration running until 7th September 2025. Together, Sam and the children performed the festival’s official anthem to a packed audience, creating a moment filled with joy, emotion and pure connection.
Jason Suckley, CEO of Make-A-Wish UK:
“This was so much more than a performance – it was a moment where hope and joy took centre stage. Wishes have the power to transform lives, and seeing these children shine alongside Sam Ryder at Disneyland Paris was the perfect way to celebrate World Wish Day. We’re incredibly grateful to Sam and everyone else involved for helping to create memories these families will treasure forever.”
Each of the children taking part brought their own unique energy and passion to the experience:
Eve Wilson, aged 16, from the South Coast of England, who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour, has a love of street dance and recently received a place at dance college. Speaking ahead of the performance, she said: “It’s so special and it’s so exciting that I’m going to be performing at Disneyland Paris – especially with Sam Ryder. My dream’s always been to perform at Disney, and it’s happening.” Her mum added: “This wish coincides with the lead-up to her GCSEs, providing a well-deserved break and some fun. Considering everything that’s happened, she’s been so brave. This is genuinely her dream – she’s so happy.”
Molly Townsend-Blazier, aged 9, from Kent, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia on her sixth birthday. “At first, we thought we only had months with her,” shared her father, Ian. “We had to wait a week for further tests, and eventually they confirmed it was leukaemia. It’s been a challenging journey over the last two and a half, three years, with quite intensified chemo every day.” Now in remission, Molly was thrilled to be part of her wish experience.
Jax Morris, aged 9, from North Ayrshire, Scotland, was diagnosed at age two with a rare genetic blood disease. Despite treatment, doctors said he wouldn’t live into his teens without a bone marrow transplant. At four, during the Covid-19 pandemic, he underwent chemotherapy and the transplant. He then faced complications – viruses and autoimmune encephalitis caused brain trauma and mobility impairments. Since the transplant, Jax has been in and out of hospital but continues to make progress. Though uncertain if he’ll walk, Jax remains determined, often saying he will walk again.
Habiba Konate Naim, aged 13, from Greater London, who has Williams Syndrome and underwent a life-saving kidney transplant, couldn’t contain her excitement. Her mum shared: “Habiba is so brave. She is a confident and caring girl, and she is so excited – she absolutely loves Disney.”
Throughout Disney Music Festival, Disneyland Paris will come alive with unforgettable musical moments – from pop-rock concerts and singalongs to marching bands led by Minnie Mouse and tropical rhythms inspired by Moana. With performances celebrating the rich, diverse worlds of Disney Animation and Pixar, this new festival invites every generation to sing, dance and celebrate together.
Right now, over 134,000 children in the UK are eligible for a wish because they are dealing with the gruelling daily reality of life with a critical illness.
When it comes to their dreams, they deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness. Critical illness brings a child’s joy to an abrupt end but Make-A-Wish UK is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes that have the power to turn tears into cheers, rescuing the magic of childhood even in their toughest times and providing a lifeline for families to spend precious time together. Disneyland Paris wishes are made possible thanks to the support of The Kentown Wizard Foundation. More info: http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk
