THE Thistles in Stirling has introduced a community wishing well as they hope to make some dreams come true in 2023.

To mark World Wish Day, on April 29, the shopping centre has placed the well on site with members of the public encouraged to drop a wish in, along with a charitable donation.

Through its #ThistlesHelps initiative, the centre aims to then turn a wish or two into reality throughout the year. 

Any money raised will go towards Make a Wish UK to help create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

It comes as a continuation of Thistles’ work to help the Forth Valley community and looks to build on previous activities such as when Thistles gave local resident Kerry Anne an unforgettable present for her 50th birthday.

In 2021, Thistles were approached by Kerry’s husband Iain to set up a surprise present birthday gift like no other by arranging an exclusive out-of-hours experience so that Kerry could rollerblade around the mall.

Looking to create more lasting memories with the community, visitors can find the new wishing well located outside of Lush and submit their wishes with their contact details for the chance to have their dreams come true.

Gary Turnbull, centre director at Thistles, said: “We are committed to supporting our local community through #ThistlesHelps and are constantly thinking of new, innovative ways in which we can give back to those that have helped us so much.

"The new wishing well is an exciting addition to the centre and we can’t wait to see what wishes flow in and how we can help achieve them.

"Being situated in the heart of the city we pride ourselves in doing the best we can to support and champion the generous and compassionate nature Stirling is known for.”

The #ThistlesHelps initiative is part of the shopping centre’s continued community engagement efforts where it looks to gives back to the local community, charities and primary schools through fundraising and additional partnerships.

Recent #ThistlesHelps campaigns include its annual, highly popular, Christmas grotto where Thistles partnered with Strathcarron Hospice, donating all proceeds from ticket sales raising a whopping total of £7,138.98 for the local charity. 

To find out more about Thistles' ongoing community work and events, please visit: https://www.thistlesstirling.com