15 years and 900 wishes – celebrating Sarah’s big work anniversary

Rays of Sunshine are celebrating the 15-year work anniversary of Sarah, Wish Team Manager.

In her time with the charity, Sarah has helped to grant over 900 wishes for seriously ill children across the UK – which we think is definitely worth celebrating!

We asked Sarah to share how it feels to hit this incredible milestone:

How it feels reaching 15 years of service…

When I joined Rays of Sunshine back in 2007, I knew I’d found a place where I could grow and make a difference. I feel very honoured/proud to be celebrating 15 years of service.

The change I’ve seen at Rays of Sunshine in this time…

Rays of Sunshine has grown considerably over the years, not only in the number of employees but the amazing services we offer to our families.

The constant is that everyone has the same passion/goal of creating memorable experiences for families that need our support.

Why I’ve stayed here for 15 years/what keeps me going…

One of the main reasons for staying is the team/people. I’ve made some great friends and mentors during my time.

I love talking to the families we support and meeting them at our events. Knowing that you have played a small part in their lives/are part of their story is an amazing feeling.

My favourite wish and moments…

Thinking back there are so many wonderful experiences, not only wishes but the events we have hosted. Such as the annual Christmas party or concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. It’s an incredible feeling seeing hundreds of families enjoying themselves, having fun and for a short period forgetting about their child’s illness.?

I’ve granted over 900 wishes but there are a few standouts that always make me smile. My first wish was for a young girl who wanted to have her own horse. Of course, we couldn’t quite make this happen but instead, I managed to get hold of her local stables and arranged for her to sponsor a horse. She got to visit every week, take care of the grooming, and ride it whenever she wanted.

?My hopes for Rays of Sunshine for the next 15 years to come…

The power of a wish should never be underestimated. When a child and their family has a traumatic experience, such as being diagnosed with a terminal illness, it turns their world upside down. That’s where Rays of Sunshine come in and shines its light. My hope is that Rays of Sunshine continues to shine and spread joy to many more families.

Thank you Sarah for your incredible service! Here’s to many more years of granting magical wishes to come #ThankYouSarah?