Nine-year-old ‘wish child’ Emily Budworth had a private virtual meeting with singing sensation Griff, ahead of the release of her fundraising single Love Is A Compass, the official soundtrack for Disney’s ‘From Our Family To Yours’ festive campaign.

Emily, who has a heart condition, is waiting for her wish to be granted – to star in her own film. In the meantime, the charity Make-A-Wish UK thought she’d enjoy quizzing someone with her own high profile career. The organisation arranged a surprise ‘meet’ between Emily, her mum Rebecca and Griff as part of their long-standing partnership with Disney.

During the video call, Emily was given an exclusive, ‘first look’ at Griff’s acoustic performance of Love is A Compass, ahead of its launch. 

The track, which is written by LA-based songwriters PARKWILD, is raising funds for Make-A-Wish, in celebration of Disney’s 40-year partnership with the charity. The proceeds from any downloads of the track before 31 December 2020, will be donated to Make-A-Wish International, to help grant life-changing wishes.

Emily, who lives with her mum Rebecca, gran Elaine and three-month-old baby brother in Lincoln, loves watching films and her ambition is to be a famous actor.

She spoke to Griff, who was in her recording studio surrounded by guitars, about their favourite films, actors and performing artists.

Asked what she does in her spare time, Griff replied:

“When I’m not making music, I like making clothes and sewing, hanging out with my friends, going for long drives and listening to music.”

Since 1980, Disney has helped Make-A-Wish^® grant more than 140,000 wishes around the world – experiences that not only brighten lives, but also help wish children and their families replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. 

Griff said it was lovely to meet Emily and added:

“It’s been a rewarding campaign to be a part of, not only having the opportunity to record ‘Love Is A Compass’ in the studio, but also learning more about the incredible work of Make-A-Wish, and the families and children they support all around the world.”

To find out more, visit https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/disney-helps-grant-wishes-across-the-world or follow the charity on social media @makeawishuk