Press Release

Issued by Multiflight.

December 15, 2011

Yorkshire private aviation company Multiflight is helping make it a Christmas to remember for children and their families at Martin House Children's Hospice in Boston Spa by providing a helicopter to fly Santa in with presents.

Multiflight and Leeds Bradford International Airport have joined forces again this year to provide a helicopter and presents for a special treat for the children and their families.

Multiflight is providing a Dauphin helicopter from its fleet of charter helicopters for the special Christmas flight to the hospice on the morning of Monday December 19th. Leeds Bradford International Airport is providing the presents for the children at the hospice and their siblings.

"It's great to be able to help 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.

Tony Hallwood, Leeds Bradford International Airport Commercial Director, said: "We wanted to make sure that the children at Martin House Hospice have a wonderful Christmas with lots of presents, Christmas fun and of course an extra special visit from Santa. It's a really memorable and heartwarming trip for all those involved."

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 will be excited from the moment they get up. Mid morning we will all gather in the garden and listen for the gentle hum of the helicopter engine. The children will squeal with delight as the helicopter is spied in the sky."

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 £4.5 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