Flight of Dreams gives disadvantaged Midland children a Christmas treat

Dec 12 2007 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

CHRISTMAS came early for hundreds of delighted Midland children who took to the skies in a once-in-a-lifetime festive Flight of Dreams treat.

The youngsters took part in the Flight of Dreams which allows inner city and disabled children to board an aeroplane and fly over the British Isles.

The annual trip, organised by children's charity Variety Club Midlands, aims to treat young people who under normal circumstances may never get to fly.

Ralph Holden, from the charity, explained why they had been organising the flights for almost 20 years.

"This is for inner-city and under privileged children and also for children with special needs.

"These trips mean everything to them. This might be the only chance that they get to fly and they tend to have a great time.

"It's about getting into the Christmas spirit."

The Flight of Dreams took off from Birmingham International Airport and lasted for almost an hour.

It was supported by Thomas Cook who supplied the ground staff, air hostesses and cabin crew for the trip.

Pupils from Christ the King School, in Kingstanding, Sutton School and Specialist College, in Dudley and Mayfield School, in Handsworth boarded the flight and even Father Christmas came on board to meet them.

Rebecca Lahert from Christ the King School, helped supervise four and five-year-old pupils who came on the trip.

She said: "It means so much to the children to be here today. It is an amazing experience for them to come to an airport - let alone to go on a flight.

"It's a great opportunity and it really is a dream come true."

Oliver Couling, aged 13, from Sutton School and Specialist College was also pleased to be on the flight and said: "This is really great as I've never flown before so it was a real shock when I found out I'd be coming onboard. Santa wished us a Merry Christmas and my friends thought that this was super to be on this flight."

Santa distributed presents on the plane and said: "This is called the Flight of Dreams and spending this time with these lovely children up in the sky is what really makes the difference."