'Holiday of a lifetime' for NI boy on Dreamflight to Florida

Adam Proctor, 13 and from Co Londonderry, swims with a dolphin during the Dreamflight visit to Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida. Credit: PA

Nearly 200 sick, seriously ill, and disadvantaged children from across the UK left their families behind for a once-in-a-lifetime sunshine holiday in America.

The group of children were nominated by their doctors, nurses and care workers to spend 10 days in Florida on the annual charity-funded trip by Dreamflight.

Adam Proctor, 13 and from Garvagh in Co Londonderry, said: "Dreamflight was fantastic - the holiday of a lifetime.

"I've made new friends and done really cool things."

The 192 youngsters - some of whom require round-the-clock attention – visited SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Disney World during an all-adventure tour of the Sunshine State.

For many, the trip represented the first time away from home, with volunteer healthcare professionals acting as chaperones.

As a final treat, children were given the opportunity to swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove in Orlando.

Several of the children were carefully lifted from their wheelchairs to get into the water, where instructors and carers helped them get up close with the mammals, while others overcame acute phobias to take part.

The overall trip costs around £800,000 and covers everything from a chartered British Airways jet to 235 hotel rooms, 12 buses and three meals a day for 420 people.

The charity is celebrating its 31st year, having been supported by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, for its maiden flight.

A host of celebrities including golfer Ian Poulter, singer Sir Cliff Richard, and television couple Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have also given up their time to help out.

Charity founder Pat Pearce said Dreamflight's longevity was testament to the support of its legion of supporters and benefactors - with only four employees receiving a salary, and the majority of the work being carried out by volunteers.

The 73-year-old said: "I think it's the smiles on the children's faces that makes it worth it for everyone, every year.

"Even the bigger boys in the group have come up to me, given me a hug, and said how grateful they are for Dreamflight. They have achieved things, done things they wouldn't have done before, and they are so happy. That's special, for me."

So far, 5,830 children have been on a Dreamflight holiday.