Busby Hotel helps to make a little girl's wish come true

Katie Burnage Naismith, 5, from Lenzie, had her wish granted from The Busby Hotel’s charity partner When You Wish Upon a Star.

Her wish was to visit Disneyland Paris.

The little girl’s face lit up when she saw Minnie, and it took her a while to realise that she was going to Paris ‘in four sleeps time’ with her mum and dad to see all her favourite Disney characters.

Astonished Katie said: “My wish has come true!”

Minnie, with the help of Judith King from the charity, and Juliet Parry, General Manager of the hotel, handed the special tickets to Katie’s parents, Kirsteen and Carl Burnage Naismith. The family travelled to Disneyland during the October school holidays where they spent four days, had lots of fun and created some precious memories.

The When You Wish Upon a Star charity helps to bring smiles to children aged 2-16 years who live with a life-threatening illness by giving them memories to treasure. The charity is supported by The Busby Hotel who fundraise by doing various walks and cycles, and the team also host specially themed events, where they meet some of the children and their families.

Katie and her family attended an afternoon tea at the Busby last year, and the Busby team were delighted to welcome her back at the hotel and to see her have her wish come true.

Juliet Parry, general manager, The Busby Hotel said: “We love to fundraise but it’s moments like this that really brings it home what the When You Wish Upon a Star charity means to children and their families. All the Wish children and their families who visit us leave a long-lasting impression upon our whole team. To be able to play a very small part in making a little girl’s wish come true, is a very humbling experience”.

Judith King, Scotland regional fundraiser, When You Wish Upon a Star, said: “I have the wonderful honour of meeting just some of Scotland’s most brave and deserving children when they are going through the toughest of times. Katie and her family are a true inspiration and we are thrilled to have been in a position to grant Katie’s magical Busby Wish to meet Minnie Mouse in Disney Paris.

“Juliet Parry and her wonderful team at The Busby Hotel are amazing Wish granters who fundraise tirelessly throughout the year and give back to the children whom we work with. From the first time they met Katie at The Busby Tea Party in 2017 to now having her magical wish being granted through the Busby Hotel’s fundraising efforts is simply incredible.

The Busby Hotel have given Katie and her family precious time away together as a family where they have created the most magical memories and for that we are truly honoured and thankful to have The Busby Hotel part of our Wish granting team.”

Kirsteen, Katie’s mum, said: “Katie described her trip as “the best time ever”.

Along with meeting Minnie Mouse and eating ice cream her favourite thing was the Dumbo ride where she had great fun at the controls bouncing us all up and down. She also talked endlessly about falling through the roof on the Ratatouille ride. We are so grateful to When You Wish Upon a Star for granting Katie’s wish, and to The Busby Hotel, Katie’s reveal afternoon tea was just magical (and delicious!)”

The Busby Hotel is part of the Manorview Group portfolio which includes eight bespoke luxury hotels, throughout central Scotland. They have an ongoing charity initiative where every venue is working to support a chosen charity, by fundraising, raising awareness and donating their time.