A disrupted childhood
Miriam was nine when she was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome – a complex kidney disorder that requires ongoing care and monitoring. It came just months after her brother’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and whilst her stepdad was undergoing cancer treatment, meaning much of the family’s time was spent in hospitals, including birthdays and Christmas.
Miriam’s condition caused severe swelling, fatigue, and a higher risk of infections and blood clots. It took months to reach a diagnosis, and she endured years of steroid treatment, followed by chemotherapy when her body stopped responding.
“For me, the toughest part of the condition during my childhood was definitely being in hospital. It’s a hard place to be when you’re young.”
A welcome adventure
In 2005, aged 11, Miriam was nominated for a Dreamflight holiday – a year after her brother was lucky enough to go himself.
The 10-day trip gave Miriam a much-needed break from hospitals and appointments, and a chance to have fun and connect with children who were facing similar challenges. She made friends with South Asian girls her age. For the first time in a long time, Miriam felt a sense of belonging.
The incredible memories of the trip came back to Miriam last year, when she returned to Universal Studios, 19 years on from her Dreamflight holiday.
“It brought it all back – the sheer joy and excitement of being in a theme park like that. I saw The Hulk rollercoaster, which my wonderful guide Amanda pep-talked me into riding for a week straight!”
An empowered future
Miriam believes the time she spent on Dreamflight with children facing a wide range of disabilities and illnesses, and from all walks of life, gave her a level of empathy and confidence she wouldn’t have developed otherwise. Following her trip, she went on to volunteer with children with disabilities whilst at university.
“I felt so comfortable and confident doing that volunteering, which is undoubtedly because of my experiences during Dreamflight.”
That sense of ease became the foundation for a career built on empathy and representation. Today, Miriam is Sky Sports’ first Diversity and Inclusion Reporter, and the founder of Brown Girl Sport, an online platform and community amplifying underrepresented voices in sport. She’s covered two Paralympic Games, interviewed icons such as Usain Bolt, and has won multiple awards for her compassionate reporting and the trust she builds with athletes.
“I don’t think I’d have ended up specialising in telling the stories of para-sport athletes and Paralympians without Dreamflight and the understanding and empathy it gave me. It’s had a long-lasting impact on my identity.”
Dreamflight brought a lot of joy to Miriam and her family at a time they needed it most. It gave them something wonderful to look forward to, something to talk about afterwards, and they still cherish those memories, 20 years on. Thankfully, Miriam is in remission.
If you know a child who could benefit from a Dreamflight holiday, we’d love to hear from you.