Celebrating the final 30 Wishes of 2025

As we wrap up Lifeways’ 30th anniversary year, we’re proud to have granted 30 incredible wishes to the people we support across the UK.  

Each wish has brought joy, recognition, and unforgettable experiences and December was no exception!  

Andrea Kinkade, Chief Executive of Lifeways, said: “Seeing and hearing about the incredible impact of our 30 Wishes initiative has truly been one of the most heartwarming highlights of 2025 for me. It’s been an absolute privilege to help bring extra joy into the lives of the people we support during this special anniversary year. 

“Each wish has been a reminder of why we do what we do – creating opportunities for people to try new things, grow in confidence, and live more fulfilling, independent lives. 

“I’m so excited to hear more about the experiences and smiles these wishes have created, and I can’t wait to see how we can build on this momentum to make 2026 even more extraordinary.” 

Here are the final five wishes that closed out this special year: 

Addison’s London adventure 

Addison, a passionate volunteer and active LEAP member, is supported by Lifeways in Warwickshire. She was nominated by the service’s deputy manager, Bev Deeming, to visit London Zoo and enjoy an overnight stay in the city. 

Addison said: “I am very touched and it is pretty amazing (to be nominated) as I was not expecting this. I’m overwhelmed but feel very pleased and cannot thank you enough. I have always wanted to go to London and stay over, but never had the confidence to travel a long distance on public transport. My volunteering work in the community has given me some confidence, but my confidence really grew when I became a representative for the Mental Health LEAP Council, a role I feel very proud of.  

“I have travelled to other services as part of my representative role with support from staff, and I am now confident travelling on my own and speaking to other people I would not have the confidence to speak to before. Visiting London Zoo will be a lovely experience for me.” 

Bev was just as happy to hear Addison had won. She said: "This is an amazing and well-deserved recognition for Addison. Since living with us in Warwickshire, Addison has grown in confidence and every day, they continue to amaze us with their "go to" attitude. 

“The staff team are very proud of Addison and their achievements and it is so lovely to see them grow in confidence. We cannot wait to see what they will achieve in the future. We are confident, that Addison will go on to achieve all of their goals and aspirations and by winning, this will motivate Addison to do so. Going to London and visiting London Zoo is a dream of Addison's and we are sure that she will have a great time.”

Alex set to take to the skies

Alex, from Northumberland, is set to take to the skies for the trip of a lifetime on a thrilling helicopter ride with his dad following a nomination from his support worker Susan Bowers.  

Known for his passion for recycling and teaching others about sustainability, this experience is a way to recognise his efforts and give him a truly memorable reward. 

Alex was excited when told the news and said: “Awesome, I can't wait to see Newcastle from the sky with my dad.” 

Ian’s bedroom makeover

Ian, who lives in a supported living service in the North East, will soon have his bedroom revamped to reflect his personality and support his independence. Ian’s support worker Tracy Flanders, who nominated him, said: “This is amazing, he can transform his bedroom and make it his own, personal to his taste and improve the feel of the room.” 

Service-boosting wishes in the North East 

Two services in the north of England are set to thrill people we support with some very welcome enhancements. 

At Bluebell Court in Tyneside, a broken pool table meant friends couldn’t enjoy one of their favourite pastimes. Thanks to 30 Wishes, a brand-new table is on its way! 

And in our Berwick-based Threeways service, the team will be able to buy and install a raised garden bed, making gardening accessible for wheelchair users and encouraging everyone to get involved. 

Area Manager Nikki Noble said: “Playing pool and gardening are important ways for the people we support to connect with each other and our team members so I’m delighted that our nominations have been accepted and that we’ll be able to make these two environments even better for the people we support.” 

Find out more about Lifeways’ 30th birthday year here: https://lifeways.co.uk/about-us/about-lifeways