The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dream trip to Florida for brave Dundee youngster
Nathan among group nominated for holiday by hospital
Nearly 200 sick, seriously ill and disadvantaged children from across the UK have left their families behind and conquered their fears on a once-in-alifetime charity-funded sunshine holiday in America.
The group spent 10 days in Florida on the annual Dreamflight trip, having been nominated by doctors, nurses and care workers around the country.
The 192 youngsters – some of whom require round-the-clock attention – visited the likes of SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Disney World during an all-adventure tour of the Sunshine State.
For many, the trip represented the first time away from home, with volunteer healthcare professionals acting as chaperones.
As a final treat, children were given the opportunity to swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove in Orlando.
Among the group was 11-year-old Nathan Korol, from Dundee.
Nathan was born with scoliosis, curvature of the spine, and has undergone 15 operations including life-saving surgery when he was only five.
He had been unable to take part in physical activities but his most recent operation in January saw all the metalwork removed from his back.
He was nominated for Dreamflight by nurses at the Sick Kids’ Hospital in Edinburgh.
He said: “I’ve had rollercoaster rides, loads of parks, and dolphins – what more could you want on a holiday?
“I have had to have a lot of operations which has stopped me doing certain things in the past.
“God knows what I’ll say to my family – it has just been the best 10 days of my life.”
The charity is celebrating its 31st year, having been supported by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, for its maiden flight, while a host of celebrities including golfer Ian Poulter and singer Sir Cliff Richard have given up their time to help out.
Charity founder Pat Pearce, 73, said Dreamflight’s longevity was testament to the support of its legion of supporters and benefactors – with only four employees receiving a salary, and the majority of the work being carried out by volunteers.