Children from Derry with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions were among 80 young people who jetted off to Lapland for an unforgettable adventure on December 17.

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.

Chloe Ryan and Daniel Wade (4), Gemma Bradley and Daithi McKinney (5), Gemma McConnell and Daibhin (3) and Elaine Sharkey and Cian O’Connell from Derry flew out of Belfast International Airport on the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust’s 17th annual trip.

Chloe Ryan and Daniel Wade (4) from Derry with Gemma Bradley and Daithi McKinney (5) from Derry.

placeholder image — Chloe Ryan and Daniel Wade (4) from Derry with Gemma Bradley and Daithi McKinney (5) from Derry.

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.

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."

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.

Gemma McConnell and son Daibhin (3) from Shantallow, Derry.

"We’re delighted we can lend our support once again and help to make this a joyful experience that will create wonderful lasting memories."

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 heart-warming 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.”

Elaine Sharkey and son Cian O’Connell from Derry.

The children taken on Northern Ireland Children to Lapland trips are all nominated by their hospital doctors and nurses, and their community nurses. If you believe your child or someone you know might qualify, refer your enquiry to the appropriate medical personnel.