About us
Built around compassion, dignity and choice.
Our Story
Wish Ambulance Scotland is a new sister organisation of the Ambulance Wish Foundation, a charity from the Netherlands. While we are related to the Dutch charity, we operate independently and are not funded or managed by them. We appreciate their help in setting up our organisation based on their successful model.
Founded in 2007 by the late Kees Veldboer Snr., Stichting Ambulance Wens is a charity that assists people nearing the end of life by facilitating a “Wish Journey” to a meaningful place. In January 2026, they celebrated their 25,000th journey, which was 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/.
Why this matters
End-of-life care should include meaning, not only medicine.
People facing life-limiting illness often encounter significant barriers that prevent them from experiencing places and activities that hold special meaning. Barriers such as pain, breathlessness or reduced mobility that result from their health conditions, can transform what might appear to be a simple outing into a near impossible challenge. Factors such as inadequate transportation, the need for extensive planning, and the requirement for physical and emotional support can complicate even the most basic of journeys.
Recognising these obstacles, the proposed service is designed to facilitate one carefully planned journey of personal significance for each individual, completely free of charge. Our approach includes thorough preparation and appropriate safeguards to ensure the comfort and safety of participants throughout their experience. By providing tailored assistance that addresses the unique needs of each person, we aim to restore a sense of agency and joy, allowing them to make lasting memories in cherished locations. This initiative not only enriches their lives but also creates opportunities for meaningful connections with loved ones, grounding them in moments of happiness despite their challenging circumstances.
Compassion
We treat people with kindness, patience and respect.
Dignity
The person remains central to every decision.
Choice
The Wish Journey is shaped around what matters most.
Hope
The tone is not sadness. It is one more meaningful moment.
Integrity
Strict clinical and operational governance are our highest priorities.
Inclusion
Supporting communities which are often overlooked.
Scotland-wide ambition
Starting carefully. Growing responsibly.
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.