# Multi-million gift launches Make-A-Wish initiative

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2026/03/12/multi-million-gift-launches-make-a-wish-initiative/
- Published: 2026-03-12T01:10:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**Philanthropic initiative The Constellation Collective has launched with what Make-
A-Wish UK describes as a “transformational multi-million-pound commitment”, intended
to fund wishes for critically ill children across the UK and help the charity meet
rising demand.**

## Seven-figure lead gift from healthcare investor

The Collective was created by [Make-A-Wish UK](https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/) 
in 2025 to convert healthcare investment into sustainable, long-term funding for
children and their families. Its official launch was marked at an event at The Beaumont
Hotel in London, where a lead seven-figure gift was announced. The donation comes
from an investment framework led by ACP Healthtech, a specialist investment firm
that says it focuses on de-risking and advancing healthcare innovation.

The gift has been delivered by three ACP Healthtech founders: **Emma Hague**, general
partner at the firm and now chair of The Constellation Collective; **Olivier Gracia**,
chief financial officer; and **Dr Patrick Pfeffer**, managing partner.

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## “Something to look forward to in their darkest of times”

**Jason Suckley**, chief executive of Make-A-Wish UK, said the support would “transform
how Make-A-Wish UK works”, adding that wishes gave critically ill children “something
to look forward to in their darkest of times”.

Emma Hague said the response had exceeded the [Constellation Collective](https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/get-involved/philanthropy/constellation-collective/)‘
s ambitions “so early in our fundraising”, while Make-A-Wish UK’s philanthropy director,**
Julide Troedson**, called the gift “the start of that step change” the charity needs
to reach every eligible child.

![Giving levels at the Constellation Collective](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.
cloud/2026/09/constellation-collective-giving-levels-2026@2x.png)

Giving levels at the Constellation Collective. Image: Make-A-Wish UK

### ⏎ Charity says demand for wishes is rising

[Make-A-Wish UK](https://fundraising.co.uk/tag/make-wish/), established in 1986 
and funded without government support, says more than 134,000 children in the UK
are living with a critical illness. It says demand for wishes is now outpacing its
capacity to grant them, and it is inviting further philanthropists and partners 
to join The Constellation Collective as it expands.

 * **[Make-A-Wish UK launches children and young people’s board](https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/02/07/make-a-wish-uk-launches-children-young-peoples-board/)(
   7 February 2020)
 * **[2017 I’m A Celebrity to donate to Make-A-Wish](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/11/09/2017-im-celebrity-donate-make-wish-uk/)(
   9 November 2017)**