Derry families join magical Lapland trip to meet Santa Claus

The annual NI Children to Lapland Trust trip brought together families, children and healthcare heroes for an unforgettable journey.

The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) recently (Wednesday, December 17) embarked on its much-anticipated annual trip to Lapland.

This year marked the charity’s 17th year of creating magical moments for children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Over the years, NICLT has brought the wonder of Lapland to more than 1,800 children. The annual trip provides an unforgettable experience that brings 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 through the generous support of TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Shell Aviation, Finavia, Rovaniemi Airport, Santa Park, Wild Nordic in Rovaniemi, and an exceptional team of healthcare professionals and volunteers.

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

Feedback on the special trip from families has been overwhelmingly positive:

“Being normal is one of the most normal things to do – this makes the impossible normal!” – Hugh McCloy and son Hugh (7) from Draperstown.

“Words can’t describe how amazing this trip to Lapland has been for Teddy and I. We have had an incredible time and we can’t thank you enough!” Penny Bannerman and son Teddy from Coleraine.

IN PICTURES: Derry families create cherished memories on annual Lapland flight

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

‘Letters of Festive Cheer’ To Beechwood’s senior residents from St. Joseph’s Boys

St. Joseph’s Boys pupils hand-delivered them along with scones, tea, biscuits and sweets

Colin Barkley, Chair of NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, added: “This is the biggest day of our year and the culmination of 12 months of fundraising and planning. Seeing the joy on the faces of these children and their families makes it all worthwhile and inspires us to do even more for deserving children in the years ahead.

“There is no greater Christmas gift than bringing joy to children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. We are deeply grateful to our partners, fundraisers, volunteers and supporters whose generosity makes this magical trip possible and continues to bring light and happiness to these families.

Colin continued: “Our deepest thanks go to TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Shell Aviation, Finavia, Rovaniemi Airport, 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, Mango and Finlay Wealth Management. Their generosity ensures this magical journey continues to bring light and joy to these remarkable children and their families.”

Charlotte Brenner, Marketing Manager at TUI, 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’re delighted we can 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, Communications & Corporate Affairs Director at Belfast International Airport, added:

“We are thrilled to welcome the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust flight back to Belfast International Airport. It is always a very special day and this year is no exception. We are delighted to welcome all of the children, their families and the fantastic staff to Belfast International Airport and we are sure they will have 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.”

Charlène Lejeune, Marketing Manager at Shell Aviation Europe added: “We’re thrilled to be part of such a heartwarming initiative that brings joy to children and their families. Shell Aviation is proud to help make this magical journey possible – we fuel planes with love and show our commitment to supporting communities in meaningful ways.”

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: “We are so privileged to lend our voices to something so special! This is the true meaning of Christmas for our choir family.”

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

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