Children with serious illnesses jetted off to Lapland this week on an annual trip during which the kids took part in activities that included husky dog rides and a meeting with Santa himself.
The tradition, which began in 2008, continued this year with 85 children with terminal illnesses and life-limiting conditions flying out from Belfast to Rovaniemi in north Finland in the Artic Circle.
Among those on the trip was the young organ donation campaigner, six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann.
The trip is organised by the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, which described it as “extraordinary journey” that brought joy, excitement, and holiday magic to the children.
“Lapland is magical,” said Sharon Ogle, who travelled with her eight-year-old son Isaac.
“There is no other place like it. Isaac and I had so much fun and made so many new memories. Huskies, reindeer, elves, snow mobiles, sledges, sleighs, warm berry juice, graduating elf school, baking, arts and crafts, train, snow – and I mean snow right up to our knees when walking.”
Among the activities the children were the reindeer and husky dog rides, mini skidoo adventures, a snowmobile safari, magic sleigh rides and, of course, meeting Santa Claus.
Daniel Power (10) from Dunmurry travelled with dad Chris, who said: “It was unbelievable. Daniel had the best time, as did I seeing his excitement.
“A lot of work and time obviously went into the trip. It was flawless and we couldn’t have asked for more, basically surprise after surprise from start to finish, thank you so much.”
The trust collaborated with TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Santa Park, and Wild Nordic in Rovaniemi, to make the adventure possible.
Colin Barkley, trust chair, said: “There is no greater Christmas gift than providing joy to young children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and helping alleviate the usual challenges that come with travelling for their families.”
Trustee Dr Mark Rollins, a senior consultant paediatrician, added that the charity is unique as it allows “community care workers, based in all the paediatric departments and hospitals in Northern Ireland, to nominate the sick children they feel most deserve such an amazing treat”.
Angela McClements, from Ballymoney, said her nine-year-old son Alfie “had a ball”.
“He will talk about these memories for years. In his words ‘it was the best day ever’,” Ms McClements said.
Charlotte Brenner, Marketing Manager at TUI Ireland, said: “Being able to provide a touch of magic is a true honour for us, recognising the importance of creating special moments for those facing unique challenges during the festive season.”