Children jet off to meet Santa

Over 150 children, their carers and parents from across Yorkshire took to the skies on the 2nd Decmember on a special Santa flight courtesy of Leeds Bradford® Airport and Monarch. This specially organised flight in ‘Search of Santa’ marked the start of Christmas celebrations for some incredible children.

To ensure there was truly a Christmas party atmosphere, the airport’s Yorkshire Premier Lounge was transformed with magicians, face painters, balloon modellers who entertained youngsters from 10 children’s charities and hospices across the region, before boarding their flight.

During the one hour flight the wide-eyed and eager youngsters were delighted to find that Santa was on board and surprised the young guests by joining them for a Christmas sing-a-long, giving Rudolph and his fellow reindeer the day off!

Tony Hallwood, LBA®‘s Aviation Development Director commented: “Leeds Bradford® would like to thank the generosity of Monarch for providing an afternoon to remember for the children, their families and carers. To see the excitement on their faces as Santa made his appearance on board was fantastic and with the excellent cabin crew and airport team who all dressed up for the occasion in festive attire, it felt like Christmas had already arrived.”

Pauline Prow, Chair of the Monarch Foundation said: “It is a pleasure for Monarch to work with Leeds Bradford® and to help make Christmas special for these remarkable children and their families. Our crew on the ground and in the air have especially enjoyed making it a day to remember for everyone. Through our work with the Monarch Foundation and our partnership with Leeds Bradford® we are delighted to support the Search for Santa flight. The children and their families are an inspiration to all the Monarch teams involved.”

For further information please contact:

Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development Director - Leeds Bradford® Airport Email: Tony.Hallwood@lba.co.uk Tel: 07793 709188

Sally Russell, The Monarch Foundation Email sally.russell@monarch.co.uk Tel: 01582 398231

*List of regional organisations involved in LBA® and Monarch’s ‘Search for Santa

’  Martin House Children’s Hospice

 One in a Million  Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation

 Cancer Research UK

 Multiflight Limited & invited guests from Yorkshire Cancer Centre & Yorkshire County Cricket Club

 First Direct Arena

 Reuben’s Retreat

 Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust Bradford City FC & invited guests from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust