'Joyful memories' - Yorkshire family win dream trip to Disney World for teen with rare disease

Stevie Taylor, her parents and her younger sister were one of two families selected to visit Florida for a special all-inclusive 10-day trip, as part of the relaunch of a Disney Wishes programme from Nottingham-based children’s charity, When You Wish Upon a Star.

Stevie, from Wath upon Dearne near Sheffield, suffers from Batten disease, a life-limiting condition causing vision loss, seizures, difficulties with movement and the progressive loss of previously learned skills.

The disease causes fatty substances to build up inside brain cells, gradually damaging the brain and nervous system. Most people with the condition do not live beyond their teens or early 20s.

Stevie’s father Paul said the trip “provided a rare opportunity to step away from normal life, with all the routines of medical appointments, and focus on creating joyful memories as a family”.

Despite the challenges she faces, Stevie has a bright personality and is a huge Disney fan. Her greatest wish was to visit Disney World and experience the magic she had seen in her favourite movies.

“Spending time together in Florida, whether it was shopping, chatting or just laughing as a group, created memories we’ll treasure forever,” said mother Karen.

The holiday included two days at Universal Orlando Resort and three VIP days at Disney World, with priority ride access using the Wish Pass, meet-and-greets with Stevie’s favourite characters and Disney princesses, and accessible viewing areas for parades and fireworks.

The Taylors stayed at Give Kids The World Village, a resort designed for children with critical illnesses that offers full support for their needs, with its own accessible rides and playgrounds.

“For us, the whole experience was amazing as it allowed Stevie to enjoy the magic of Disney in an environment designed around her needs,” said Paul.

Karen said one highlight of the trip was the family spending time with actresses Ellie Leach and Brooke Vincent, ambassadors of When You Wish Upon a Star.

“What’s meant the most is that Ellie has stayed in touch with us since we returned home. That continued connection has made the whole experience even more meaningful,” said Karen.

“It wasn’t just a trip, it was the beginning of something truly special for our family, and we will always be grateful.”

The dream trip was made possible by a donation from Raffle House in November last year, meaning When You Wish Upon a Star was able to relaunch the Disney Wishes programme for the first time since the pandemic.

The programme grants wishes to children aged between four and 16 years who are living with a life-threatening or terminal illness. Those who meet the qualifying criteria and are accepted for a wish can request anything they like and the charity will aim to fulfil it.

Joe Williamson, CEO at When You Wish Upon a Star said: “We decided to use £14,000 of the 2025 Raffle House funds for a special trip to relaunch the programme in November, taking two very deserving families who’d been hoping to make the trip for a long time.”

Last year the charity granted a total of 83 wishes and it is aiming to increase this to 100 in 2026, including sending 20 children and their families to Florida.

James Mieville, Executive Director at Raffle House, said: “There are few charities that tug at the heartstrings as much as When You Wish Upon a Star. Seeing what a difference each individual wish can make to these children and their families has been eye-opening.”