Over 80 Northern Ireland children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions fly off to meet Santa Claus in Lapland with NICLT
More than 80 Northern Ireland children facing life-threatening and life-limiting conditions fly off tommorw to visit Santa Claus in his home town in the Arctic Circle.
Flying from Departing from Belfast International Airport, and accompanied by a parent or carer, the children will fly to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle.
There, they will enjoy an enchanting day featuring reindeer and husky rides, mini skidoo adventures, magic sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and a magical meeting with Santa Claus himself.
The trip is run by the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT), which is in its 17th year of creating magical moments for children with serious illnesses.
Over the years, it has brought the joy 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.
Sarah-Louise Grundon and her daughter Talia (4), from Coleraine, were nominated by Causeway Hospital to go on the trip.
Four-year-old Talia lives with complex neurological and physical needs, including hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, a rare genetic microdeletion and epilepsy.
Since birth, Talia has faced frequent hospital admissions, extensive medical treatment and more than 20 surgeries. Despite everything she has been through, she remains a bright, determined and joyful little girl who faces every challenge with remarkable bravery and resilience.
Talia’s most recent surgery was on 26 November, and she has started walking for the first time in the past week.
Speaking in advance of the trip, Talia’s mum Sarah-Louise Grundon said: “This trip means absolutely everything to us. Talia has been through more in her little life than most adults ever will, and to see her excitement about Lapland is just magical.
"For once, it’s not about hospitals or appointments — it’s about her being a little girl, full of wonder and happiness. We are beyond grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see the joy on her face when she meets Santa.”
Another traveller is seven-year-old Corrin Kennedy has cerebral palsy (left-sided hemiplegia), epilepsy and is registered as visually impaired.
He is very excited to be going on a blue plane and meeting Santa and his reindeer.
His mum Courtney, from Dunloy, Co Antrim said: “From the moment I received the email telling us that Corrin had been nominated and selected to go to Lapland, it has felt completely surreal.
"It’s an opportunity I never imagined we would have, and we are so deeply grateful. For families like ours, an adventure like this would be impossible because of our child’s complex medical needs — but thanks to NI Children to Lapland, our dream is becoming a reality.
" They have thought of every detail, every challenge, every worry, and lifted them from my shoulders so I can simply enjoy the trip of a lifetime with my special boy and make memories to last a lifetime. To be able to take Corrin to meet the real Santa… is a gift beyond words, an experience both Corrin and I will treasure forever.”
The Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust has given a special thank you to everyone who made it possible to send over 80 Northern Ireland children to visit Santa in Lapland.
Chairman Colin Barkley, said: “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: "We’re delighted we can lend our support once again and help to make this a joyful experience that will create wonderful lasting memories."