RAF Helicopter Delivers Festive Gifts to Oxfordshire Children’s Hospital

Father Christmas utilized an RAF helicopter instead of his traditional sleigh to deliver presents to Oxfordshire’s children’s hospital. Santa was transported in a Puma chopper from RAF Benson to the base’s primary school to collect the gifts. After conducting flyovers of more than 45 primary schools, he was then brought to the John Radcliffe Hospital to distribute presents contributed by RAF Benson personnel and their families, as well as local children. This initiative, known as The Santa Drop, is now in its sixth year and is coordinated by the RAF Benson Youth Activities Liaison Team. Flight Lieutenant Jenny Broome commented: “[There was] such joy, such excitement. “Some schools even made Father Christmas shapes out of their pupils which was a phenomenal effort.” Zoe, mother of Aiden, aged 8, stated: “When [the children] are here, they’re medical children and living their illness. “So when they do something like this, just for once they’re a normal child.”” During the flight, Santa knelt by the open door of the Puma helicopter to wave at children observing from outside their schools. When asked about his experience during the flight, Santa responded: “I’m a few thousand years old so my knees aren’t doing too badly [considering].”It was a bit bumpy up there but great to see all the children.”” You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.