Critically ill children's dreams come true as they perform with Sam Ryder at Disneyland Paris
The emotional performance in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle was timed to celebrate World Wish Day on 29th April and to mark the launch of Disney Music Festival
Four seriously ill children were given the chance to perform at Disneyland Paris with Eurovision's Sam Ryder, making their dreams a reality. Molly Townsend-Blazier and Jax Morris, both nine years old, along with Habiba Konate Naim, 13, and Eve Wilson, 16, took centre stage to perform a new song, 'Viva La Musique', alongside the popular artist.
Before the performance, the kids joined Sam at AIR Studios in Hampstead, London, for an exclusive rehearsal in a studio frequented by some of the world's most famous artists, including Coldplay, Adele, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. The touching event was a joint effort between Disneyland Paris, Make-A-Wish, and Sam Ryder, celebrating the transformative power of a wish and the enchantment of music.
Eve Wilson, a young girl from the south coast who is currently battling a brain tumour, has a passion for street dance and recently secured a spot at a dance college.
Jax Morris, a resident of North Ayrshire, was diagnosed with a rare genetic blood disease at the tender age of two. Despite undergoing treatment, doctors warned that he wouldn't survive into his teenage years without a bone marrow transplant.
At four years old, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, he underwent chemotherapy and the crucial transplant. However, Jax faced complications post-transplant – viruses and autoimmune encephalitis resulted in brain trauma and mobility impairments.
Since the transplant, Jax has been frequently hospitalised but continues to make progress. He's achieving milestones, such as eating and drinking independently, and beginning to form sentences. Although it's uncertain if he'll regain his ability to walk, he remains resolute, asserting that he will walk again.
Molly Townsend-Blazier, a Kent native, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia on her sixth birthday. Now in remission, she was ecstatic to be part of the performance and despite initially being shy, her outgoing personality soon shone through during rehearsals.
Lastly, Habiba Konate Naim, hailing from Greater London, suffers from Williams Syndrome and underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. The heart-warming performance in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle was staged to commemorate World Wish Day on 29th April and to kick off the Disney Music Festival.
Sam Ryder expressed: "Singing with these amazing kids was honestly one of the most meaningful and heart-warming things I've ever done. They met as strangers and it was a joy to watch them become friends. The whole experience was so pure, and it's been a real honour that I will cherish forever."
Sam, who has been a supporter of Make-A-Wish in recent years, described his collaboration with the charity as "the best of humanity." He further added: "It transcends everything – it's only good. It brings out the best in everyone, and I just feel so lucky to be around that energy."
Disney Music Festival is scheduled to run until 7th September 2025, featuring more than a dozen live concerts and musical encounters, most of which are performed multiple times daily.
Jason Suckley, representing Make-A-Wish UK, which has partnered with Disney for 45 years, granting over 165,000 wishes globally, stated: "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 our friends at Disney for helping to create memories these families will treasure forever."
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