NICLT makes Disney dreams come true for children from Ballymena, Antrim, Ballyclare and Toome
Disney magic creates unforgettable memories for 20 Northern Ireland children, including Karen Farrell and daughter Anna (4) from Ballymena.
Monday 05 October 2026
Children from Ballymena, Antrim, Ballyclare, and Toome were among 20 young people from across Northern Ireland given the chance to experience the magic of Disneyland Paris during a special trip for families living with serious health conditions.
The children, who are living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, travelled with the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT), turning what can often be lives shaped by hospital appointments, treatment and therapy into two days focused on fun and making memories.
A group of 44 people, including parents, local health professionals and NICLT representatives, set off on Saturday, 3 October, with medical professionals from Causeway Hospital accompanying NICLT General Manager Fiona Williamson and board member Anna Kayes.
Local children share in Disney adventure
(L-R) Susanne Keates and daughter Maddison (5) and from Antrim
Maddison (5) from Antrim
Among those sharing in the Disney magic were children and families from County Antrim, who joined others from across Northern Ireland for the unforgettable two-day adventure.
Five-year-old Maddison from Antrim was nominated by A2 Paediatrics Ward at Antrim Area Hospital after spending approximately 80 days in hospital over recent years because of recurring, sudden-onset severe bronchospasm.
Her mum, Susanne Keates, said:
“We were so excited to have the opportunity to go to Disneyland Paris. We would like to thank A2 Paediatrics Ward at Antrim Area Hospital for putting Maddison’s name forward and NI Children to Lapland Trust for making this magical trip possible.”
Dreams come true for families
Group photo of all of the children on the Disneyland Paris trip.
Hannah and Daniel Bateson with daughters Annabelle and Isabelle from Toome.
Among the other children making the journey was six-year-old Calla from Belfast, who has Turner syndrome and receives nightly growth hormone injections.
Her parents, Jodie and Andrina McAllister, said:
“This trip was such an amazing opportunity for her because she absolutely loves Disney. Watching her face light up as she experienced the magic is a moment we will never forget.”
Eight-year-old Brodie from Claudy was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare and critical congenital heart defect. He has undergone four open-heart surgeries, multiple catheter procedures and spent months in hospital.
His grandmother, Kathleen Coyle, said:
“To say we are overjoyed that our grandson’s dream came true is an understatement.
“Seeing his wee face at Disney was pure magic. As a family, we are so grateful to Fiona and her amazing team, and to the staff at Altnagelvin, for helping to make this possible. Dreams really do come true.”
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
Group photo of all of the children and families on the Disneyland Paris trip.
Seven-year-old Franklin from Carrowdore, Newtownards, has cystic fibrosis and has experienced numerous complications and surgeries since he was born.
His mum, Chelsea Simpson, said:
“He has been through so much since he was born, including many complications and surgeries, and at one point we nearly lost him. He fought right back and is the most fun-loving, happy boy.
“He adores the Avengers, superheroes and Mickey Mouse. When we were told he had been chosen to go to Disneyland Paris, it felt like a dream come true. We are incredibly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Nine-year-old Leonor from Bangor was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in August 2023 and has experienced multiple hospital stays and IV medications.
Her mum, Agata Oliveira, said:
“Getting the chance to go to Disney with her was amazing. I could hardly believe it, and neither could she. She was so excited to meet the characters and experience all the Disney magic.”
A precious break from therapy
Gary Clotworthy and son Luca (8) from Ballyclare
(L-R) Fiona Williamson, General Manager, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust with Paidi Bradley from Glenullin, Garvagh
For four-year-old Catherine from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, the experience offered something particularly important — a fun family trip that was not centred around treatment or therapy.
Catherine was diagnosed with CDKL5 deficiency disorder in November 2023 after experiencing seizures from just eight weeks old, sometimes more than 15 a day.
Her mum, Joanne Cox, said:
“Catherine is a very happy little girl who is adored by so many. She spends endless weeks attending intensive therapies, so being able to enjoy a fun trip that was not therapy-based meant so much to her and to us as a family.”
The journey was also Catherine’s first time flying, with NICLT’s support helping make the experience more accessible for her family.
Joanne added:
“We had never flown with Catherine before, so having the NI Children to Lapland Trust with us every step of the way made the trip more accessible and much less stressful than our usual journeys to therapy.”
Making memories together
(L-R) Fiona Williamson, General Manager, NICLT; Donna O’Kane, Nurse; Anna Kayes, board member, NICLT; Dr Megan Campbell; and Janet McKay, board member, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust
NICLT Chair Colin Barkley said the experience allows families dealing with serious health conditions to put those daily pressures aside and enjoy time together.
“We are committed to giving these incredible children and their families the chance to create unforgettable memories.
“What makes this trip so special is seeing families able to focus simply on enjoying time together. Our team and the medical professionals who travel with us work hard to make the experience as safe, accessible and relaxed as possible.”
The Disneyland Paris experience has been supported by donors, fundraisers and corporate partners including The Bushmills Inn, WineFlair, C-Tec (NI), CosyRoof, Bells of Crossgar, Energystore, Mango Contact Centre and Send My Bag.
Helping more children experience the magic
(L-R) Fiona Williamson, General Manager and Anna Kayes, board member, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust.
Each year, NICLT also takes approximately 80 Northern Ireland children, accompanied by a parent or carer, to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. The trip includes husky and reindeer rides, snowmobile safaris, sleigh rides and a meeting with Santa Claus.
The charity receives no government or national funding and relies on donations to continue its work.
More information and details on how to support NICLT are available at https://nichildrentolapland.com.
For the children from County Antrim, along with the other families who made the journey, the Disney adventure offered something simple but precious: time away from the pressures of serious illness to enjoy being together and create memories that can last long after they return home.
