Children Experience Festive Flight with Father Christmas

Children selected by charitable organizations, alongside pupils, participated in a notable flight featuring Father Christmas. Bristol Airport collaborated with Jet2 airline to provide the children with a unique sixty-minute flight, offering opportunities for games and an encounter with Santa Claus. The airport initiated the Santa Flight program for ill children and their relatives over three decades ago; however, this particular event marked its first occurrence since 2019. Theresa Peters, who attended with her son Henry following his nomination by Weston Hospice, stated: “It was nice to be off the ground in the sunshine and think about something else and have a bit of hope for the future.” Earlier this year, Ms. Peters’ husband, Ian, who was also Henry’s father, passed away due to cancer. She remarked: “He was such an amazing husband, father, brother and we miss him lots. This is our first Christmas without him and we’re trying to keep the festivities up. Weston Hospice have been supporting us with counselling and giving us the opportunity to come on trips like this.” Additional charitable organizations that put forward families comprised the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Children’s Hospice South West, and the British Heart Foundation. Elementary school pupils residing in communities adjacent to the airport also received invitations to participate in the flight. Katie, whose three-year-old daughter Athena receives support from the British Heart Foundation, stated: “Being invited along has been an extra special treat.” Athena herself commented: “I loved seeing Santa and going up so high.” Tracy Comer, who serves as Bristol Airport’s community relations manager, expressed that she was “thrilled” about the Santa Flight’s resumption, marking its first occurrence since the Covid pandemic. She added: “This is such a special day for everyone involved and it’s wonderful to be offering some very brave children a moment of fun this Christmas time and for them to be able to make special memories with their families and school friends.” Anna Perry, chief executive officer of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, remarked: “I can’t think of a better way to kickstart Christmas for our former patients and their families who all deserve to be treated to something very special this holiday season.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.