About Dreamflight
Dreamflight: Making Dreams Come True for Children with Serious Illnesses and Disabilities
Dreamflight is a UK-based charity that has been making dreams come true for children with serious illnesses or disabilities since 1987. The charity's mission is to take these children on the holiday of a lifetime to Orlando, Florida, where they can experience the magic of Disney World and other attractions.
The idea behind Dreamflight was born when Patricia Pearce, a British Airways cabin crew member, witnessed the joy that a trip to Disney World brought to a young girl with leukemia. She realized that many seriously ill children would never have the opportunity to experience such joy because of their medical conditions. So she decided to do something about it.
Since its inception, Dreamflight has taken over 6,000 children on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. The charity's aim is not only to provide these children with an unforgettable holiday but also to help them build confidence and self-esteem by giving them an opportunity to interact with other children who are going through similar experiences.
Dreamflight's trips are fully funded by donations from individuals and corporate sponsors. The charity relies heavily on volunteers who give up their time and expertise in various areas such as medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, counseling, and fundraising.
The selection process for Dreamflight is rigorous but fair. Children between the ages of 8-14 years old are nominated by doctors or healthcare professionals who work closely with them. These nominations are then reviewed by Dreamflight's medical team who assess each child's suitability for travel based on their medical condition.
Once selected for the trip, each child is assigned a volunteer "buddy" who accompanies them throughout their journey. Buddies play an essential role in ensuring that each child feels safe and supported during what can be an overwhelming experience.
Dreamflight takes place every October half-term when around 200 children board two chartered Boeing 747s at London Heathrow airport. The children are accompanied by a team of medical professionals, volunteers, and celebrities who help to make the journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
The trip to Orlando is packed with activities that cater to each child's interests and abilities. The children get to experience the magic of Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and other attractions. They also get to meet their favorite characters from movies such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Harry Potter, and Shrek.
Dreamflight's impact on the lives of these children cannot be overstated. For many of them, this trip is a life-changing experience that gives them hope for the future. It helps them forget about their medical conditions for a while and focus on having fun like any other child.
Dreamflight has received numerous awards over the years in recognition of its outstanding work in helping seriously ill children. These include the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2010 and Charity Times' Charity of the Year award in 2011.
In conclusion, Dreamflight is an exceptional charity that has been making dreams come true for seriously ill or disabled children since 1987. Its mission is simple but powerful: to provide these children with an unforgettable holiday that helps build their confidence and self-esteem while giving them an opportunity to interact with others going through similar experiences. With your support through donations or volunteering your time or expertise you can help make more dreams come true!