‘Best trip ever!’ — Ballymena youngsters enjoy once-in-a-lifetime Lapland adventure

Mervyn Millar and Jaxon (5) from Galgorm, Ballymena.

Families from Ballymena and surrounding areas were among more than 80 Northern Ireland children to enjoy a magical trip of a lifetime to Lapland this Christmas, thanks to the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT).

Local families from Galgorm, Cullybackey, Rasharkin and Ballymena joined the special journey, which departed from Belfast International Airport on Wednesday 17 December, bringing joy, respite and unforgettable memories to children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Among those taking part were Mervyn Millar and five-year-old Jaxon from Galgorm, Ballymena, Katie Balmer and Isaac McCrudden (9) from Ballymena, Lisa McAfee and her son Leo (12) from Rasharkin, and Pamela, Michael and Noah Moore (9) from Cullybackey, Co Antrim.

Katie Balmer and Isaac McCrudden (9) from Ballymena.

Their smiles — captured in a selection of photos shared by the charity — reflected the excitement and emotion of a day many described as truly life-changing.

The annual trip marked the charity’s 17th year of delivering festive magic to children across Northern Ireland. Over that time, NICLT has helped more than 1,800 children experience the wonder of Lapland — a place that, for many families managing complex medical needs, would otherwise be beyond reach.

After flying to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle, children and their parents or carers enjoyed a packed day of festive adventure. Activities included reindeer and husky rides, mini skidoo experiences, sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and, for many, the highlight of all — a magical meeting with Santa Claus himself.

Family stories at the heart of the journey

Courtney and Corrin Kennedy (7) from Dunloy, Co. Antrim

Seven-year-old Corrin Kennedy from Dunloy, Co Antrim, who has cerebral palsy (left-sided hemiplegia), epilepsy and is registered visually impaired, was especially excited about flying on “a blue plane” and meeting Santa and his reindeer. His mum Courtney said the opportunity felt almost unreal.

“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.

Courtney and Corrin Kennedy (7) from Dunloy, Co. Antrim

“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.”

Feedback from families across Northern Ireland captured the emotion of the day:

“Best day of my life!” – Florrie McKessick (6), Ballymoney

Mervyn Millar and Jaxon (5) from Galgorm, Ballymena.

“Best trip ever!” – Jaxon Millar (5), Ballymena

“The most amazing and magical day. Absolutely loved it.” – Grayson Talbot (5) and mum Joanne McVeigh, Bushmills

“Being normal is one of the most normal things to do – this makes the impossible normal!” – Hugh McCloy and son Hugh (7), Draperstown

“A magical trip and precious memories made.” – Chloe Todd and son Ruben McDonnell (10), Antrim

“The memories made today will last a lifetime.” – Hugh Neeson and daughter Meabh-Anne (4), Downpatrick

“Words can’t describe how amazing this trip to Lapland has been for Teddy and I. We have had an incredible time and we can’t thank you enough!” – Penny Bannerman and son Teddy, Coleraine

Charity and partner support praised

Lisa McAfee and son Leo (12) from Rasharkin.

Colin Barkley, Chair of NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, said the trip represents the culmination of a year’s work:

“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.”

Pamela, Michael and Noah (9) Moore from Cullybackey, Co Antrim.

He added:

“Our deepest thanks go to TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Shell Aviation, Finavia, Rovaniemi Airport, Santa Park, Wild Nordic, The Choir Studio from Newry, and the countless volunteers and supporters who make this trip possible. Without their dedication, none of this would be achievable.

“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful fundraisers and corporate partners, including Wineflair, The Bushmills Inn, C-Tec (NI), Glens of Antrim Potatoes, CosyRoof, Bells of Crossgar, Energystore, Mango and Finlay Wealth Management. Their generosity ensures this magical journey continues to bring light and joy to these remarkable children and their families.”

Charlotte Brenner, Marketing Manager at TUI, said:

“It is an enormous privilege to welcome on board the children, families, medical teams and support staff heading off on this exciting adventure to Lapland. We’re delighted we can lend our support once again and help to make this a joyful experience that will create wonderful lasting memories.”

At Belfast International Airport, the festive atmosphere was heightened by a performance from The Choir Studio from Newry, filling the terminal with Christmas cheer before departure. Deborah Harris, Communications & Corporate Affairs Director at the airport, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust flight back to Belfast International Airport. It is always a very special day and this year is no exception.

“We are delighted to welcome all of the children, their families and the fantastic staff to Belfast International Airport and we are sure they will have an experience to remember. It is very important for us to be part of this magical event - it really brings home the meaning of Christmas.”

Charlène Lejeune, Marketing Manager at Shell Aviation Europe, added:

“We’re thrilled to be part of such a heartwarming initiative that brings joy to children and their families. Shell Aviation is proud to help make this magical journey possible – we fuel planes with love and show our commitment to supporting communities in meaningful ways.”

Kathy McCaughey of The Choir Studio said:

“We are so privileged to lend our voices to something so special! This is the true meaning of Christmas for our choir family.”

Photos and memories from the trip can be viewed on the charity’s Facebook page: @childrentolaplandtrust.

Further information is available at nichildrentolapland.com.