Four critically ill children were granted the chance to perform at Disneyland Paris alongside Sam Ryder. Nine year olds Molly Townsend-Blazier and Jax Morris, as well as Habiba Konate Naim, 13, and Eve Wilson, 16, fulfilled their dreams of performing at the magical Kingdom as they joined the Eurovision star for a performance of a new song, ‘Viva La Musique’.
Prior to the performance, the children joined Sam at AIR Studios in Hampstead, London, for an exclusive rehearsal in a venue frequented by some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Coldplay, Adele, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. The heartwarming performance in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle was a special event to commemorate World Wish Day on 29th April and kick off the Disney Music Festival.
Habiba Konate Naim, a resident of Greater London, suffers from Williams Syndrome and has undergone a life-saving kidney transplant. Eve Wilson, hailing from the south coast, is currently battling a brain tumour. A passionate street dancer, she 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 – viruses and autoimmune encephalitis resulted in brain trauma and mobility impairments. Since the transplant, Jax has been frequently hospitalised but continues to show signs of improvement.
He’s achieving milestones, such as eating and drinking using his hands, and starting 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, from Kent, received a diagnosis of lymphoblastic leukaemia on her sixth birthday. Now in remission, she was delighted to be part of the performance and despite initial shyness, her vibrant personality soon emerged during rehearsals.
This touching moment was brought to life through a partnership between Disneyland Paris, Make-A-Wish, and Sam Ryder, celebrating the transformative power of wishes and the enchantment of music.
Sam Ryder said: “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 as we bonded over the power of music and singing.”
Sam, who has supported Make-A-Wish in recent years, described working with the charity as “the best of humanity.” He 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 set to run until 7th September 2025, featuring an impressive lineup of over a dozen live concerts and musical encounters, most of which are performed multiple times daily.
Jason Suckley, representing Make-A-Wish UK, which has collaborated with Disney for 45 years, granting over 165,000 wishes globally, said: “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.”