More than 80 children and their families jetted off to see Santa Claus as part of the trip organised by the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) on Wednesday.
The trip marked the charity’s seventeenth year of the annual tradition, which brings joy, respite and cherished memories to children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Over those years, the charity has brought the wonder of Lapland to more than 1,800 local children.
“It’s unbelievable, you almost have to pinch yourself”
Accompanied by a parent or carer, the children flew to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle, where they enjoyed an enchanting day of reindeer and husky rides, mini skidoo adventures, magic sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and a magical meeting with Santa himself.
Lisa and Leo on a sled at Lapland
Among the children who went on the trip was 12-year-old Leo McAfee from Rasharkin, Co Antrim, who has severe learning difficulties and lives with ADHD and autism.
Mum Lisa said the whole experience had been “magical”.
“Every child was beaming. Leo absolutely loved it, it was his first time flying as well so he was a bit nervous, but it was so well organised,” she told the Belfast Telegraph.
“We got a phone call one day to say Leo had been nominated by someone to go and everyone was so excited for us.
“It’s unbelievable, you almost have to pinch yourself. You are seeing all the scenery, the snow in the trees when you’re on the bus ride, it was all so magical for the adults, never mind the children.
“Even the plane was like a party, you had streamers and party horns and they were all playing games. All the medical staff were there too in case you needed them.
More than 80 families embarked on the trip to Lapland this week
“Leo has been telling everyone about it since we got home. He keeps saying Santa Claus from Lapland is coming in six days. It is impossible to put into words how magical it was.”
The trip is the culmination of a full year’s fundraising and planning and is made possible with the support of TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Finavia, Rovaniemi Airport and Santa Park.
Colin Barkley, Chair of NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, said seeing the joy on the children’s faces made all the hard work worthwhile.
“It inspires us to do even more for deserving children in the years ahead,” he said.
“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.”
Leo McAfee (12) who was on the trip with mum Lisa
News Catch Up – Friday 19 December
Charlotte Brenner, Marketing Manager at TUI, said being involved in the programme was an “enormous privilege”.
“We’re delighted we can lend our support once again and help to make this a joyful experience that will create wonderful lasting memories,” she added.
The children were seen off from the airport by a festive performance from Newry-based The Choir Studio who filled the terminal with Christmas cheer and excitement.
Kathy McCaughey from the choir said: “We are so privileged to lend our voices to something so special! This is the true meaning of Christmas for our choir family.”