Christmas charity flight in Bristol gives grieving and ill children 'special' memories

  • Bristol Airport first started running the Santa Flight more than 30 years ago, but this was the first to take off since 2019, as ITV News Louisa Britton reports

Almost 200 people including bereaved children and those with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families, have been treated to a memorable flight with Father Christmas.

Bristol Airport teamed up with airline Jet2 to take the children on a special one-hour flight where they could play games and meet Santa Claus.

The Santa Flight has been a festive tradition for almost 30 years, but it’s the first time it’s taken place since 2019.

"It means that we can all make memories together," said Katie Day, who was travelling with her family after Charlton Farm Hospice nominated her 14-year-old son Samuel.

"The girls have never been on a plane before so we’ll be able to go up together and have a wonderful time as a family," she said.

Her husband, Mr Day, added: "It doesn’t happen very often that we can all be together, so that is really good."

Santa Claus treated the children to presents on the flight from Bristol Airport Credit: ITV News

"It's a lovely opportunity to get out and experience all of this," said Mr Hall, whose son Joshua died after being stabbed in 2021.

He was travelling with Joshua's brother, Eli, and said it's "great to be able to create some lovely memories in what can be a very poignant time of year."

Another parent, Sally Watts, who was travelling with her son Toby, said the flight was a positive experience given the "tragic year" they’ve endured.

She said: "We’ve had a lot of death in our family and tragic loss so just to have a nice day out is exciting, and it’s a lot to have those feelings back in your life."

Some of the charities that nominated families include the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Children's Hospice South West, Weston Hospice and the British Heart Foundation.

Children from neighbouring villages were also invited on the flight, including those from Winford Church of England Primary School, Wrington C of E Primary School, Court de Wyck Church School in Claverham and Backwell C of E Junior School.

Tracy Comer, Community Relations Manager at Bristol Airport said: "This is such a special day for everyone involved and it’s wonderful to be offering some very brave children a moment of fun this Christmas time and for them to be able to make special memories with their families and school friends.”