VIDEO: Lapland trip of a lifetime for two Causeway Coast and Glens children
The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) has jetted off to Lapland – with two Causeway Coast and Glens families!
Sarah-Louise Grundon and her daughter Talia (4), from Coleraine, were nominated by Causeway Hospital to go on the trip which departed from Belfast International Airport on December 17.
Four-year-old Talia lives with complex neurological and physical needs, including hydrocephalus, craniosynostosis, a rare genetic microdeletion and epilepsy.
Since birth, Talia has faced frequent hospital admissions, extensive medical treatment and more than 20 surgeries. Despite everything she has been through, she remains a bright, determined and joyful little girl who faces every challenge with remarkable bravery and resilience.
Talia’s most recent surgery was on 26 November, and she has started walking for the first time in the past week.
Speaking in advance of the trip, Talia’s mum Sarah-Louise Grundon said: “This trip means absolutely everything to us. Talia has been through more in her little life than most adults ever will, and to see her excitement about Lapland is just magical.
"For once, it’s not about hospitals or appointments – it’s about her being a little girl, full of wonder and happiness. We are beyond grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see the joy on her face when she meets Santa.”
Seven-year-old Corrin Kennedy, who has cerebral palsy (left-sided hemiplegia), epilepsy and is registered as visually impaired, was very excited to be going on a blue plane and meeting Santa and his reindeer.
Corrin’s mum Courtney, from Dunloy, added: “From the moment I received the email telling us that Corrin had been nominated and selected to go to Lapland, it has felt completely surreal.
"It’s an opportunity I never imagined we would have, and we are so deeply grateful. For families like ours, an adventure like this would be impossible because of our child’s complex medical needs – but thanks to NI Children to Lapland, our dream is becoming a reality.
"They have thought of every detail, every challenge, every worry, and lifted them from my shoulders so I can simply enjoy the trip of a lifetime with my special boy and make memories to last a lifetime. To be able to take Corrin to meet the real Santa… is a gift beyond words, an experience both Corrin and I will treasure forever.”
Colin Barkley, Chair of NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, added: “This is the biggest day of our year and the culmination of 12 months of fundraising and planning. Seeing the joy on the faces of these children and their families makes it all worthwhile and inspires us to do even more for deserving children in the years ahead.
“There is no greater Christmas gift than bringing joy to children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. We are deeply grateful to our partners, fundraisers, volunteers and supporters whose generosity makes this magical trip possible and continues to bring light and happiness to these families,” he said.
This year marks the charity’s 17th year of creating magical moments for children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.