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Santa takes helicopter to visit children's hospice

BBC A baby in Grinch outfit sitting on Santa Claus' lap with their dad next to them.BBC
Families got to meet Santa Claus and receive gifts

Father Christmas has been visiting children around the west, including meeting patients from Children's Hospice South West.

With the help of the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, he travelled to primary schools in Dorset and Somerset, where he collected letters the pupils had written to him.

While at the hospice at Charlton Farm in Wraxall, which looks after children with life-limiting illnesses, Santa met Micky and her mum Liz, who described the visit as "pretty special".

"It's a once in a lifetime experience to see Santa arriving on a helicopter. It's one that we'll cherish for a long time," said Liz.

A woman with pink and purple hair smiling and holding her young daughter who has her hand in the air and is wearing a bright dress. She has a tube going into her nose.
"Charlton farm is an amazing place to be, it's so nurturing and takes good care of us," said Micky's mum Liz

She explained her daughter had a "complex medical history" after being diagnosed with cancer two years ago and then having four organs transplanted.

There have been "numerous complications and a long time spent in hospital", said Liz.

"Coming to Charlton Farm and meeting Santa is a really big deal for us.

"This is hopefully her first Christmas and birthday at home."

Annaliese was also at the hospice grounds with her children Charlotte and Finley, whom she explained had a muscle condition with a gene fault that affects every muscle in his body, meaning he needs 24-hour care.

She explained being at the event enabled them to "be a normal family and to enjoy time together within a safe space where we've got care around us, and support, which is a huge thing, especially at Christmas time".

Two children either side of their mother. The younger child is in a wheelchair. The older child is standing up and holding a penguin soft toy.
Finley (L) said he was excited for Christmas because he wants "loads of presents" whereas Charlotte (R) was looking forward to family time

She said the festive season "can be really tricky" and there is "a lot of pressure" to make it count.

"It's difficult to access Christmas events and things with a life-limited child."

She added: "You don't know how long you've got, so you want to make sure that every Christmas is as magical as it can be.

"Charlton Farm helps us to do some really magical things that we just couldn't normally do."

A boy in an orange jacket about to high-five Santa outside, who is kneeling down
The families ran over to greet Santa and his elf as they stepped out of the helicopter

Helen Broadbent, senior team leader at Charlton Farm, said having an event focused only on families with children who were unlikely to make it to adulthood, "not have to share with the public, makes it really special, really magical".

"It's another milestone they've reached and that's time together."

She explained that to have a day where their focus is taken away from medical issues and hospital appointments, gives the families "time to pause and have those memories and have that time".

A young girl in a tutu dress opening a present. She has a tube going into her nose.
Micky said she received a "baby (doll) and a toy" from Santa and she said "thank you" to him

Ms Broadbent added: ""Time is a precious thing.

"To see the smiles on their faces is absolutely priceless."

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