Children have ‘never to be forgotten experience’ at Santa’s home

Northern Ireland’s Children to Lapland Trust visited Father Christmas at his home on Wednesday of last week.

The one-day trip had to be postponed because of the adverse weather conditions in December, and was then booked for the next available date.

Over 100 terminally ill, long term ill and deserving children and their carers accepted Santa’s special invitation – and he made sure that everyone had a day to remember.

There were sleigh rides led by husky dogs and by reindeer, snow mobiles and the Ice Hotel - all in a magic snow covered landscape. As well as a gift for every child their jolly host also made a special farewell appearance for the whole group.

Carrick man Jack Rodgers, Chairman of Northern Ireland’s Children To Lapland Trust, which organises the annual event, said: “When the trip had to be postponed at Christmas, we were determined not to disappoint these children. Without a trip like ours, with so many medical personnel in attendance, so many of these kids simply wouldn’t be able to enjoy an experience like this. The look of sheer joy on their faces makes it all worthwhile”

As one tired, but happy, mother said as she arrived back at Belfast International Airport: “It has been a totally enjoyable experience – one we will never forget. My son will be talking about it for weeks.”