More than 50 children with serious or life-limiting illnesses departed on a dream trip to Orlando from Manchester Airport this morning.
The all-expenses-paid break was organised by Childflight, a North-West children’s charity which provides flights and holidays for children who are unwell or living in challenging circumstances, in conjunction with Manchester Airport, TUI Airways and the TUI Care Foundation.
The children, aged between 5 and 16, travelled with family members on the specially chartered flight operated by TUI Airways, and will return on Wednesday 12 November.
During their nearly two-week stay in Florida, their itinerary includes relaxing poolside days and pool parties, along with days out at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, visits to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom followed by thrill rides at Epcot. They’ll also head to Disney Hollywood Studios for a special meet-and-greet with Mickey Mouse himself and wrap up the trip with a bit of shopping in Orlando’s Old Town entertainment district.
Stephen Sefton, Chair of Childflight, said: “This trip is pretty special – we’re taking 54 families, plus five doctors, eight nurses, and team leaders, with all expenses paid, even spending money. For many of these kids, it’s their first ever holiday abroad, so it’s going to be an exciting and emotional couple of weeks, and one made of memories to last a lifetime.
“Many of these families are living through extremely trying times in their lives, so it’s fantastic to be able to put smiles back on their faces for the next 12 days.”
