Magherafelt family enjoy trip of a lifetime with the NI children to Lapland Trust

More than 80 Northern Ireland children battling life-threatening and life-limiting conditions enjoy a trip of a lifetime to Lapland

The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) recently (16 December 2024) embarked on its much-anticipated annual trip to Lapland.

Roisin Higgins and daughter Grace Higgins from Magherafelt attended the trip of a lifetime. 

It marked the charity’s 16th year of creating magical moments for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Over the years, NICLT has brought the wonder of Lapland to over 1,700 children, with only two interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This annual trip provides unforgettable experiences that bring joy, respite, and cherished memories to children and their families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.

Departing from Belfast International Airport, the trip was made possible by the generous contributions of TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Santa Park, Wild Nordic in Rovaniemi and an exceptional team of healthcare professionals and volunteers.

The children, accompanied by a parent or carer, travelled to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle. There, they enjoyed an enchanting day filled with reindeer and husky rides, mini skidoo adventures, magic sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris, and a magical meeting with Santa Claus himself.

Colin Barkley, Chair of NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, added: "There is no greater Christmas gift than bringing joy to children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. This trip allows families to escape their daily challenges, offering a day of magic, support, and unforgettable memories.

“Our deepest thanks go to TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Santa Park, Wild Nordic, The Choir Studio from Newry and the countless volunteers and supporters who make this trip possible. Without their dedication, none of this would be achievable.

“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful fundraisers and corporate partners including Wineflair, The Bushmills Inn, C-Tec (NI), Glens of Antrim Potatoes, CosyRoof, Bells of Crossgar, Energystore and Mango, whose generosity ensures this magical journey continues to bring light and joy to these remarkable children and their families.”

“Charlotte Brenner, Marketing Manager at TUI, one of the companies enabling the annual trip, said: "It is an enormous privilege to welcome on board the children, families, medical teams and support staff heading off on this exciting adventure to Lapland. We were delighted to lend our support once again and help to make this a joyful experience that will create wonderful lasting memories."

The trip wouldn’t be possible without the streamlined support from Belfast International Airport representatives. Deborah Harris, PR & Marketing Manager at Belfast International Airport, added:

“The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust flight is always very special and this year was no exception.  We were delighted to welcome all of the children, their families and the fantastic staff to Belfast International Airport and we are sure they had an experience to remember.  It is very important for us to be part of this magical event - it really brings home the meaning of Christmas.”

Liz Stewart, Head of Customer Services, from Swissport, Belfast is part of the exceptional team supporting young travellers, their families and health staff on the ground at the airport. Liz said: “It is our absolute pleasure to be working with this wonderful charity again.”

Adding to the festive spirit on the day, The Choir Studio from Newry performed at the airport before departure, filling the terminal with Christmas cheer and excitement.

Kathy McCaughey of The Choir Studio said: "To be part of something so magical and special is a joy and privilege—the true meaning of Christmas for our choir.”

To view photos and memories from the special trip to Lapland, check out the charity’s Facebook page: @childrentolaplandtrust

For further information on the charity, visit: nichildrentolapland.com