Press Release

Issued by Multiflight.

December 17, 2014

Yorkshire private aviation company Multiflight helped make it a Christmas to remember for children and their families at Martin House Children's Hospice in Boston Spa yesterday (Tuesday December 16th).

Multiflight provided a helicopter to fly Santa and his fairy helper in with presents, and waiting to greet them at the hospice was the Bishop of Selby, the Rt Revd Dr John Thomson, with children, parents, family members and hospice staff.

Bishop John became the Bishop of Selby in July this year, and this was his first visit to Martin House. As Bishop of Selby, Bishop John looks after the Archdeaconry of York, which includes Boston Spa.

Multiflight and Leeds Bradford Airport joined forces again this year to provide a helicopter and presents for a special treat for the children and their families. The Monarch Group provided Christmas gifts for the children and their siblings.

Multiflight provided a Dauphin helicopter from its fleet of vip charter helicopters for the special Christmas flight to the hospice.

“It's wonderful to be able to give the children, their families and the staff at the hospice a special Christmas treat and Multiflight is delighted to be able to do this,” says Linda Nicholls, Multiflight's charter manager.

“Martin House Hospice is a fantastic, deserving charity which we have proudly supported for a number of years.”

Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford Airport's aviation development director, says: “It's magnificent to see the children's faces light up when Santa arrives with his sack of presents. We want to make sure that the children and families at Martin House Hospice have a really memorable day.”

Andrew Swaffield, chief executive officer of The Monarch Group, comments: “Along With Leeds Bradford Airport and Multiflight, we are delighted to be supporting the Martin House Hospice and providing a little bit of Christmas cheer to the children. The work of the hospice is quite remarkable in terms of the support and care that they provide for families and it is a privilege to be involved with such a worthwhile charity, local to our base at Leeds Bradford Airport.”

Sheila O'Leary, head of care at Martin House Children's Hospice, says: “Santa arriving in his helicopter is one of the most magical visits to Martin House. The children and adults are excited from the moment they get up. Mid morning we all gather in the garden and listen for the gentle hum of the helicopter engine. The children squeal with delight as the helicopter is spied in the sky. We are delighted the Bishop of Selby joined us too this year.”

Sheila adds: “Some of the children are too poorly or find it difficult to see Santa in his grotto and it is lovely to be able to bring Santa to them and for them to experience this memorable event. We want to say a big thank you to everyone involved.”

Martin House Children's Hospice provides care for children and young people with progressive life limiting illnesses and provides support to their families and the hospice does everything it can to help create special memories for them. A visit to the hospice by Santa in a helicopter is a wonderful and special event for the children and their families and a memory they can treasure.

The hospice needs to raise £4.9 million annually to run the service it provides at its purpose built hospice in Boston Spa, Wetherby, and care for children and young people from throughout the Yorkshire region. The aim of Martin House is to provide family led care for children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses. It is a place where children, young people and their families can stay from time to time along their journey and find support, rest and practical help.

To find out more about the hospice and the service it provides, or to make a donation, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk