About Us
Our Story
Wish Ambulance Scotland is a newly established sister organisation of the Ambulance Wish Foundation, a charity based in the Netherlands. As a sister organisation of the Dutch charity, we are an independent entity and are not funded or governed by the Dutch organisation. We are grateful for their support in helping us create an organisation that follows their tried-and-tested concept.
Founded in 2007 by the late Kees Veldboer Snr., Stichting Ambulance Wens is a charity that supports people approaching the end of life by helping them make a “Wish Journey”, usually to a place of personal significance. In January 2026, they celebrated their 25,000th journey, attended by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
We are excited to bring this concept to Scotland with the support of our Dutch counterparts. You can learn more about them here: https://www.ambulancewens.nl/.
Our Aim
Wish Ambulance Scotland aims to support both adults and children across Scotland by helping them undertake a “Wish Journey” of their choosing.
As we establish and develop the organisation, we will maintain strict governance - particularly clinical governance - to ensure the safety of everyone involved in our operations. Based in Aberdeen, we will introduce the service in phases, beginning with a pilot in the North of Scotland. During this phase, we will prioritise reaching marginalised and remote or rural communities, who are often overlooked.
We will work in partnership with NHS Trusts, hospices, and other non-profit organisations. Our partners will be able to submit a “Wish Referral”, which will be reviewed by our “Wish Makers”. Clear inclusion and exclusion criteria will ensure support is provided to those most likely to benefit, while also considering clinical factors. “Wish Journeys” will be offered free of charge and recipients may be accompanied by two others.
Beyond delivering Wish Journeys, Wish Ambulance Scotland aims to foster compassionate communities - a public health approach that is growing rapidly. We hope to support Aberdeen in working towards the Compassionate Communities City Charter and to encourage more open conversations about death, dying, grief, and life-limiting illness within our communities.
Our Team
Wish Ambulance Scotland is currently led by a small group of dedicated volunteers who share a commitment to bringing compassionate end-of-life experiences to people across Scotland. As a newly established organisation, our team is working hard behind the scenes to develop the governance, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to safely deliver our service.
As we continue to establish the organisation, we will be recruiting experienced trustees to join our Board and help guide the strategic development, sustainability, and governance of Wish Ambulance Scotland.
In the coming months, we also hope to welcome a wider team of volunteers and professionals who will play a vital role in delivering Wish Journeys. Opportunities will include drivers, clinicians, Wish Makers, Wish Companions, and fundraisers.
Together, our team will ensure that people across Scotland are supported to make meaningful journeys to places that matter most to them.
Wish Ambulance Scotland: Providing End of Life Care
Your Support Matters!
At Wish Ambulance Scotland, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you to fulfill the final wishes of those facing terminal illness. Your support plays a vital role in bringing comfort, solace, and joy to individuals and families during life's most challenging moments. Together, we can make dreams come true and create lasting memories that transcend time.
Ways to Give:
- One-Time Donation: Your one-time contribution helps fund wish journeys for individuals in Aberdeen and surrounding areas. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing end-of-life challenges.
- Monthly Giving: Join our community of monthly donors committed to making a lasting impact. Your recurring donation provides ongoing support, ensuring that Wish Ambulance Scotland can continue to fulfill wishes and provide compassionate care when it's needed most.
- Fundraising Events: Host a fundraiser or participate in one of our upcoming events to support Wish Ambulance Scotland. Whether it's a charity run, bake sale, or virtual gathering, your efforts help raise awareness and vital funds for our cause.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with Wish Ambulance Scotland as a corporate sponsor and demonstrate your company's commitment to corporate social responsibility. Your support not only enhances our ability to fulfill wishes but also strengthens community engagement and goodwill.
- In-Kind Donations: Consider donating goods or services that can support our mission, such as medical equipment, fuel vouchers, or administrative support. Your in-kind contribution helps reduce operational costs and allows us to allocate more resources toward wish fulfillment.
Your Impact:
- Fulfilling Dreams: Your donation enables individuals facing terminal illness to embark on wish journeys of personal significance, providing them with moments of joy, connection, and fulfillment.
- Creating Memories: By supporting Wish Ambulance Scotland, you're helping create lasting memories for individuals and their loved ones, ensuring that their final moments are marked by comfort, dignity, and peace.
- Spreading Compassion: Your generosity spreads compassion and kindness within our community, uplifting the lives of those in need and leaving a positive legacy of empathy and support.
Join Us Today!
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families facing end-of-life challenges. Join Wish Ambulance Scotland in our mission to bring comfort, dignity, and peace to those in need. Your support, no matter how big or small, has the power to make dreams come true.
Donate Now and Make Dreams Come True
Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
Wish Ambulance Scotland
