Heartbreak for Family as Make-A-Wish Trip to Disneyland Paris is Halted

Toni Mannion and her daughter Daisy, age five, faced the disappointment of a cancelled Make-A-Wish trip to Disneyland Paris after Eurostar was disrupted. With Daisy's rare medical condition, the family struggles to find alternatives.

Amidst travel chaos, a family’s dream trip to Disneyland Paris has turned into heartbreak as disruptions from an unexploded World War II bomb forced the cancellation of their long-awaited journey. Toni Mannion, the determined mother of five-year-old Daisy, voiced her devastation over the cancellation of the Make-A-Wish trip, which was meant to create cherished memories for her terminally ill daughter.

Daisy, who suffers from the rare metabolic disorder Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH), has complex needs that prevent the family from swiftly seeking alternative transportation. The family had traveled from Birmingham to London in hopes of making the Eurostar into Paris, only to face disappointment when they learned that services were suspended due to a bomb discovered near Gare du Nord in Paris, which was safely defused later that day.

Reflecting on the situation, Mannion expressed her heartbreak, stating, "We've been planning this for such a long time. I know Make-A-Wish will look to reorganise. But it's still a bit gutting really." For a family aware that every day is precious, the cancelled trip feels especially painful. "We wanted to make some really nice memories," she added.

Meanwhile, other travelers found themselves stranded due to the Eurostar disruption. As many scrambled to rearrange their plans, others chose to embrace spontaneity. Vicky and her mother, who initially planned a brief stay, decided to extend their time in Paris to enjoy unexpected adventures, such as visiting the Eiffel Tower. However, many travelers faced frustrations as well; Bob and Mavis from Nottingham reported difficulties booking alternative trains due to technical issues with the Eurostar app.

As the coach of determined families, including those like Mannion's hoping for magic in the most challenging times, navigates through this chaotic travel scene, the full impact of the disruption remains uncertain, leaving bittersweet memories in its wake.