Seventeen-year-old Christina from Bay Shore has a passion for history. When her wish granters asked what she wanted to do more than anything in the world, a certain place came to mind. Her interest in British culture made a huge impact on her decision to visit the beautiful land where the famed William Wallace became a fierce leader of the resistance to English rule. 

On August 1st, 2008, Christina, her parents, eleven-year-old brother and thirteen-year-old sister boarded a plane to London. They spent four days exploring the many tourist sites and other fascinating places off the beaten path. One of Christina’s favorite spots was the Tower of London, where she and her family were given a private tour by two different yeomen warders, or “beefeaters.” The beefeaters explained the history behind each gate and room, including the one that holds the exquisite Crown Jewels. At the end of the tour, they presented Christina with a special journal, in which they wrote their well wishes. She also had the chance to visit the exciting London Eye and the grandiose Buckingham Palace. In addition, after having done research on her own, Christina located the famous Camden Market, where she did some much anticipated shopping! The crowded streets of London never intimidated Christina, who described the bustling capital as being like “New York City, on a good day!” 

They then traveled by train to Scotland’s charming capital city of Edinburgh. Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County’s Wish Coordinator, Johan Staley, who is from Edinburgh, had a wonderful time planning Christina’s activities in her home city. One of these activities, and a highlight for Christina, was a ghost and witchery tour that was given on the historic Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle. After two days in the capital, Johan then arranged for the family to pick up a rental car to drive to the town of Stirling, where they took a private tour of William Wallace’s monument. Christina’s tour guide allowed her to hold a replica of William Wallace’s sword – an extremely rare opportunity for any visitor. During their overnight stay at Airth Castle, Christina’s mom, Dorothy, got in the “spirit” by pretending to be a ghost while her children took pictures of her creeping through the halls! The next leg of the trip was a scenic drive north to the Highlands of Scotland in Inverness. While there, the family took a boat tour of renowned Loch Ness (no monster to be found!) and a jeep excursion around the countryside of Urquhart Castle. Their amazing vacation ended with a train ride back to London for the flight home.

Dorothy summed up the journey by saying, “Words cannot express how much was done for us…we felt very special.” Christina loved every moment, even the cab rides: “The Scottish taxi drivers were happy to talk to me…they were so funny!” From William Wallace’s story to present-day British culture and beyond, Christina’s wish was boundless in incredible memories.