More than 190 children took off yesterday for a dream holiday thanks to a partnership between British Airways (UK) and Dreamflight (UK).
Supporting kids aged between eight and 14 with a serious illness or disability, Dreamflight was co-founded by former British Airways’ cabin crew member, Patricia Pearce MBE.
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British Airways and the charity team up each year to provide unforgettable holidays for the children.
Dreamflight has been flying more than 6200 children since its inception in 1987. British Airways colleagues have donated their time every year to help the departure from Heathrow.
It’s the 34th year that the two organisations have come together to run the incredible trip to Orlando, Florida.
Due to the pandemic, Dreamflight hasn’t been able to take off for the last two years, making this year’s flight extra special.
Due to their complex illnesses, many of the 192 children who flew to Florida had never been on a vacation or taken a trip abroad before.
To ensure the children are well looked after, they are accompanied 24 hours a day by volunteer doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, supported by British Airways’ cabin crew and pilots.
To send the children off in style, British Airways and Dreamflight hosted a special party in one of the airline’s Heathrow hangars. The children also enjoyed entertainment courtesy of an RAF Air Cadets Marching Band and tens of police puppies.
The children of Orlando will enjoy eight days filled with fun activities, including visits to Universal Studios Florida and other Florida attractions.
Carrie Harris, British Airways’ Director of Sustainability, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring back Dreamflight for its 34th annual trip.
“It is always one the highlights of our years, with many colleagues volunteering their time to help. This was possible because of their support.
“Hearing how much the Dreamflight experience means to the children and their families means it’s a real honour to be able to help create memories that will last forever.”
Paralympic gold-medal swimmer and Dreamflight patron, Liz Johnson, said: “This is a full circle moment to be a part of Dreamflight, having joined the trip as a child myself in 1997.
“Getting to see the younger generation have these opportunities feels so special and I want to empower them to achieve anything they put their minds to.”
British Airways’ Captain Philip Ticehurst, who operated the charter, said: “We’re so happy to be back with Dreamflight again this year.
“This is my 16th time captaining the Dreamflight charter and I couldn’t be more honoured. It is such a humbling experience to be flying these children on their trip of a lifetime. They are an inspiration to all of us.”
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