A magical Christmas adventure to Lapland for some very lucky children

It was a very early 4am alarm call for nine very lucky boys and girls from the South Eastern Trust area who were selected to travel to Lapland on December 21 to visit Santa Claus.
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The children, accompanied by their parents, Dr Karen Courtenay and Deputy Sister Lorna Boulter, enjoyed a fun three hour flight which included breakfast, writing letters to Santa, face painting and a Christmas sing-a-long.

Upon landing they were whisked away to Santa Park, a picturesque winter wonderland, where each family was given a choice of exciting activities including baking gingerbread cookies with Mrs Claus, taking part in and qualifying from Elf School, watching an acrobatic show, taking a sleigh ride, playing in the snow and of course having a private meeting with Santa Claus in his grotto.

Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Karen Courtenay described her experience. “It was a joy to support the trip and watch families, who cope with a wide range of medical challenges throughout the year enjoy such a magical experience,” she said.

Children and their families from the South Eastern Health Trust area who enjoyed the recent trip to Lapland.Children and their families from the South Eastern Health Trust area who enjoyed the recent trip to Lapland.
Children and their families from the South Eastern Health Trust area who enjoyed the recent trip to Lapland.

“It was lovely to see the children’s reactions to all the activities and of course meeting Santa himself.”

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The homeward bound journey was just as much fun as the rest of the day, with lots of Christmas themed activities provided for everyone to enjoy.

The boys and girls got to take part in a seat decorating competition, were served Christmas themed food, and were given gifts to remember their special day.

The trip to Santa Park, in Lapland’s capital city Rovaniemi, was organised by the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust.