Local Children’s charity that helps terminally ill affected by Thomas Cook collapse.

More than 70 children with terminal illness, life limiting conditions and complex needs have had a dream holiday to Disney World affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook.

Destination Florida has worked with the airline for a number of years and flies children out to Florida, every other year.  Their next trip was planned for November 2020, but has been scrapped after Thomas Cook went bust earlier this week. 

Local families across Greater Manchester have been affected, including the son of Anita Claxton from Uppermill, whose 16 year old son, Adam, suffers with complex needs.  

The charity says that for some children, it offers a 'trip of a lifetime' and even extends the lifespan of some of those with terminal illness.

Mike Hymanson, Chair of Trustees of Destination Florida said: “Most of these children have been surviving on a hospital regime, with strict medication and treatments. 

“These trips really are life changing and you see a massive difference in the children, in just a week.

“For these children to be away with others, who are in a similar position to them, their self confidence increases massively and they make new friends.”

The charity, based in Eccles, says that Thomas Cook made an amazing contribution to them over the years.

“We love them, it’s such a sad loss for the airline and our charity, as we’d built up a special relationship.” says Mike Hymanson.

“Thomas Cook not only gave us the seats at the best price they could. They also made the trips as comfortable and exciting for the children, as they could be.”

Many of the children who flew on the special trips to Florida required wheelchairs, or drips, or special medications. Planes were effectively turned into 'mini hospitals'.

Staff went the extra mile to ensure they could get through customs in Orlando safely with all the various special requirements individual children had.

The crew on board one flight, refused to have a rest day when they arrived and accompanied the children to the Animal Kingdom attraction instead.

Destination Florida estimates that it has helped roughly 1,400 children, aged between 6 and 16, since it has been going.  There have even been children who’ve coupled up, after one of the holidays.

The charity is now having to look for another airline to be involved.

Mr Hymanson says: “There are very few airlines who fly out of Manchester to Florida.  But we’re having to approach a major carrier, to see if they can step in and help.

“We’re determined not to let the children down and hopefully we’ll manage to get a new relationship with a different airline.”

There is a fundraiser Spring Ball, in support of Destination Florida on the 7th March next year.  It’s taking place at The Last Drop Village Hotel and Spa.  The cost is £50 per head.

 

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