First 30 Wishes winners of 2026 revealed

Lifeways is proud to share the first winners of its 30 Wishes campaign for 2026. 

The initiative, which launched as part of the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations, is continuing this year and has already helped several of the people it supports achieve long-held dreams.   

In January, three nominations were selected, with their stories highlighting just how powerful and meaningful the campaign has become. 

Football fanatic Ugne heading for St James’ Park tour 

Ugne, who is supported by Lifeways at a supported living service in Berwick-upon-Tweed, was over the moon to hear she will be going on an autism-friendly tour of her favourite football team Newcastle United’s home ground, St James’ Park. 

Service Manager Lorraine Noble, who nominated her for the initiative, said the trip would not only help Ugne achieve her dream but also give her confidence a significant boost. 

“We can’t begin to tell you how much this means for Ugne. This one trip, which we’re looking at booking in March, has possibly made her year and we all know she’s going to come back with a new Newcastle FC shirt.” 

Oaks Close to receive new outdoor patio furniture 

In Rotherham, residents at Lifeways’ Oaks Close service [pictured] were delighted to learn they will receive funding for a garden make-over. The residents are hoping to buy new outdoor patio furniture ahead of the summer months and give the garden a bit of TLC.  

“The people we support are over the moon and commented that they cannot wait until the warmer weather for the parties to commence,” said Service Manager Kelly Churm. 

“This is a wonderful gesture and will make such a difference to the individuals’ lives, enabling them to spend more time outside interacting and engaging with their peers.  

“This is a supported living service and for Lifeways to make this gesture is lovely. Finally, as a team we can all enjoy the beautiful grounds and utilise all areas. This has been a long time coming. A big thank you to Lifeways for making this happen.” 

Saying goodbye to a dear friend 

Completing the first wave of 30 Wishes winners for 2026, Lifeways has donated £500 to the team at its Lightwood Road residential care service in Stoke-on-Trent so the people supported there can give a proper send-off to their late friend, Claude. 

Claude, who also lived at Lightwood Road, passed away in 2025 and had outlined his final wish for his ashes to be scattered at sea. Thanks to the donation, the team will now be able to fulfil that wish and allow his closest friends from the service to bid him a heartfelt goodbye this summer in Blackpool. 

Registered Manager Anna Jones said: “I am so pleased that Lifeways has made this possible for the team at Lightwood. The loss of Claude was hard for everyone. The team took part in planning his funeral, and they showed incredible commitment, compassion, and dedication to ensuring Claude received the heartfelt farewell he truly deserved. 

“The one final wish that remains was Claude’s hope to have his ashes scattered at sea, something we never believed would be possible, at least not on this scale. Thanks to being chosen as one of the 30 Wishes winners, we now have the opportunity to make this wish come true, and everyone is able to be part of honouring him in this very special way. Claude will always be part of our Lifeways family.”