From Heartbreak to Hope: How Zak’s Wish is changing lives in Corby and surrounding areas

A Corby family has turned unimaginable heartbreak into a powerful legacy of hope for other families facing life-limiting conditions.

Zak Fairhurst was a happy little boy. He was also a cheeky little monkey, always bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. His personality lit up every room he was in. Before his life changed forever at just 18 months old, when he contracted pneumococcal meningitis. The illness left Zak with severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, and he was non-verbal, alongside many other complex medical needs.

From that moment on, Zak’s life—and his family’s—became a constant battle.

“Everything was a fight,” his mum Vikki explained. “You had to fight for support, for equipment, for services—things that should just be there.”

Throughout his childhood, Zak faced countless medical challenges. He underwent multiple operations, including the fitting of a gastrostomy feeding tube for fluids, and surgeries to correct issues caused by his condition, including hip displacement and scoliosis.

In 2019, Zak underwent major spinal surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital. What should have been a straightforward recovery turned into a nightmare.

“Everything seemed fine at first—we were home within a week. But three weeks later, things went wrong,” Vikki said. “We were back in the hospital again and again. Operation after operation. Nothing was healing properly.”

That year became one of the hardest the family had ever faced, with nearly six months spent in and out of the hospital. Zak’s dad, James, travelled constantly just to be by his son’s side.

After finally returning home just before Christmas, the family hoped for stability—but then the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Zak never returned to school, missing around a year of education, and the family once again found themselves fighting for support.

Years later, further complications arose when one of the rods in Zak’s spine broke, requiring additional surgery. The procedure was scheduled twice but delayed.

Shortly before, Zak celebrated his 18th birthday surrounded by family and friends at a special Tom and Jerry-themed party.

“It was an amazing day. He absolutely loved it,” Vikki said.

But just weeks later, in February, Zak underwent surgery. Tragically, on February 4th, he passed away.

From that devastating loss, Zak’s Wish was born.

Zak had always loved Christmas, and his family had always made it magical. Determined to honour his memory, they transformed their grief into something positive by creating a festive Santa’s grotto experience.

“That’s how it started,” Vikki said. “We already had everything, and we wanted to make children smile the way Zak loved to.”

The first grotto raised money for another charity. But on April 17th, 2024, Zak’s Wish officially became a registered charity.

Now, two years on, the organisation is making a real difference across the local community.

Zak’s Wish supports children and young people up to the age of 25 who have special educational needs, disabilities, or life-limiting conditions.

The charity provides:

• Small grants for special experiences, such as days out or short breaks

• Funding for essential equipment not covered by the NHS

• Discretionary support for families facing long hospital stays, helping with fuel, food, and accommodation

While the Christmas Experience remains its biggest fundraiser, Vikki is keen to emphasise the charity’s wider mission.

“Zak’s Wish isn’t just about Christmas,” she said. “We’re here all year round for families who need that extra bit of help.”

The charity runs a wide range of fundraising events, including raffles, bingo nights, bonus balls, and community activities.

This summer, they are launching a brand-new event—an “Aussie Christmas” celebration in Corby on July 18th.

For families who may need support, Zak’s Wish is encouraging people to reach out.

“I just wanted to give a little bit more background on Zak’s Wish,” Vikki added. “Everyone thinks we are the Zak’s Wish Christmas Experience—but we’re not. We’re so much more than that, and we’re here to help. So please, please apply via our website at zakswish.co.uk, or join our Facebook page, Zak’s Wish, for more information.”