January 2026
Annual NI Children to Lapland Trust Trip Takes Off On Unforgettable Journey!
www.nitravelnews.com
THE Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) embarked on its annual trip to Lapland on Wednesday 17 December 2025. This year marks the charity’s 17th year, having NICLT has brought the wonder of Lapland to more than 1,800 children. The annual trip provides an unforgettable experience that brings joy, respite and cherished memories to children and their families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Departing from Belfast International Airport, the trip is made possible through the generous support of TUI, Belfast International Airport, Swissport, Shell Aviation, Finavia, Rovaniemi Airport, Santa Park, Wild Nordic in Rovaniemi, and an exceptional team of healthcare professionals and volunteers. The children, accompanied by a parent
or carer, flew to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus on the Arctic Circle. There, they enjoyed an enchanting day featuring reindeer and husky rides, mini skidoo adventures, magic sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and a magical meeting with Santa Claus himself. Sarah-Louise Grundon and her daughter
Talia (4), from Coleraine, were nominated by Causeway Hospital to go on the trip. 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. Colin Barkley, Chair of NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, added,
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“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. Colin continued, “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, Mango and
Finlay Wealth
Energystore, Management.
Their generosity ensures this magical journey continues to bring light and joy to these remarkable children and their families.” Deborah Harris,
Communications &
Corporate Affairs Director at Belfast International Airport, added, “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.”
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