Lapland adventure for children

EAST Midlands Airport (EMA) staff offered a warm festive welcome to deserving children and their families as they began their winter wonderland adventure to Lapland thanks to When You Wish Upon a Star.

The magical trip on Saturday, December 7, transported courageous children living with a life-threatening illness to Lapland, away from hospitals and appointments and into a magical world filled with Christmas spirit.

Previously chartered by Thomas Cook, this year’s flight was operated by TUI who whisked children and their families to a winter wonderland.

The yuletide trip started with a party at the departure gate with refreshments, face painting and even a magician adding some real magic to the day. This year the magical plane ride was operated by TUI whose crew transformed the aircraft with Christmas decorations to bring the festive spirit onboard.

After a busy day of sleigh rides, Siberian huskies, horse and carriage rides and reindeers, the very special group of guests were guided to a hotel, where they met Santa Claus and received a special Christmas gift.

Andy Tyler-Smith, East Midlands Airport’s customer services and security director, said: “We were delighted to offer a warm welcome to so many children and their families for this very special festive flight to Lapland.

“Our staff loved being involved in this heartwarming occasion which brought the true meaning of Christmas to life.”