Photo: Abigail with her friends and brothers at her exhibition
Nine-year-old Abigail Nolan, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four, had her wish come true to have her own art exhibition at Saatchi Yates Gallery in London on Saturday 18th April 2026, thanks to Art of Wishes and Make-A-Wish UK.
When Abigail was diagnosed with leukaemia she found great comfort in painting throughout her treatment and time in hospital. What began as a personal outlet evolved into something far greater. This exhibition was not only a celebration of her creativity, but of her resilience, her imagination, and everything that lies ahead.
Her wish was inspired by Poppy, another wish child who, after her own experience with leukaemia, held an exhibition at Christie’s in 2024, using her work to support future wishes and showing how creativity can shape confidence, generosity, and hope.
Phoebe Saatchi Yates, co-founder of Mayfair gallery Saatchi Yates, and member of the Art of Wishes Committee, heard about Abigail’s wish and offered to host Abigail’s exhibition at Saatchi Yates Gallery to help make her wish come true.
Phoebe Saatchi Yates commented, “It is such a joy to host Abigail’s exhibition at Saatchi Yates. Her creativity and spirit are incredibly inspiring, and we feel very lucky to be part of making her wish come true.”
More than 300 guests attended Abigail’s exhibition which included a live auction raising £13,000 to support more life-changing wishes. The highlight of the auction was Abigail’s debut auction piece ‘A Spring Day‘ which was sold for £2,000.
Photo: Abigail’s exhibition and auction at Saatchi Yates
This wish is a wonderful example of how Art of Wishes supports Make-A-Wish by bringing the art and creative community together and turning imagination into action whilst demonstrating the powerful combination of art and community coming together with purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to Saatchi Yates and our wonderful collaborators Bluebell Biscuiterie, Melissa Webb Catering, Mockingbird Raw Press, Purple Dragon Play, IPW1 Printers and David Croft who made this wish extra special for Abigail and her family.
Photo: Abigail with her family at her exhibition and wish