Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park in Orlando, Florida is the stuff that dreams are made of. And for 192 children from the UK, this was where their dreams came true thanks to the Dreamflight charity and amazing support from people who just wanted to give something back.
Dreamflight is a registered charity whose purpose is to take deserving children on the holiday of their dreams to America's capital of fun - Orlando! The children are chosen from all over the UK and are either currently, or have been, seriously ill. Dreamflight is not just a holiday for them, these children get to realise that they are not alone with their illness and not the odd one out. With a new independence gained from being away from their family, they see other children who have suffered, they gain perspective and strength and with the help of the team of volunteers experience things that they never thought possible.
The children on each trip are accompanied by a group of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and non medical escorts who make the journey possible by giving their time and energy to the charity, and it is not just for the 10 days that they will be away. There is a great deal of preparatory work and fundraising to be done before the annual trip to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Jo Parris, Lettings Manager for Barton Wyatt Estate Agency in Virginia Water, Surrey was invited to be a non medical escort for the 2013 Dreamflight. It was in fact a client of Barton Wyatt who introduced Jo to the charity almost ten years ago and together with Jo's husband, Mike, a doctor, they decided to offer their time for the trip.
James Wyatt, partner of Barton Wyatt offered his own support by giving Jo the extra time off from the office and sponsoring T-shirts for the children of the 'Pooh Bear' Group to enjoy on their day in Blizzard Beach. Barton Wyatt has sponsored the Pooh Bear group T-shirts for nearly ten years and looks forward to continuing to do so in the future.
Jo Parris comments on her experience:
"I was both nervous and excited about the trip before we went. Excited by the experiences I was going to gain from being part of such a special group of people but also anxious to get my part right and make a worthy contribution to the trip."
Jo was allocated two special boys to her care; Robert and Jermain, aged 8 and 9 years old. The holiday started in a hotel near Heathrow and once the goodbyes to the parents were completed, Jo's duties began.
The Dreamflight 'flight' itself was a revelation to Jo, a frequent flier herself. "The flight started with a party and really went on like that," she explains. Silly string, face painting, nail bar, food on demand and the friendliest crew you'll ever come across including a running commentary from the flight deck during take-off and landing made flying a real adventure for children, many of whom had never been near an airport, let alone traveled on a Jumbo-Jet!
Once at Orlando, Jo had a packed schedule starting at 7am and often not finishing until 11pm. The group were taken daily to a different theme park on the 'Pooh Bear' bus aiming to ensure the children had maximum fun. However, there was always a serious side to ensure the wellbeing, safety and health of the children and Jo found she grew eyes in the back of her head so that she always knew where her boys were and that their medication was given on time.
Jo describes the emotional side of the trip:
"A tremendous bond was made between the group, not just with the children and teenagers but with other escorts and arriving home was quite emotional. Parents came to meet the plane and yes there were a few tears. I personally felt bereft for several weeks, continually looking round for 'my boys'.
"I've not seen the boys since the trip, it's not protocol. I have however sent them photo books and had email communication with one of the boy's mums. In the New Year we will be showing the film of the trip to the whole Pooh Bear group and so I can't wait to see all of the children then."
Dr Mike, a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine had a very different experience as he was a 'floating doctor' not officially allocated to a group but going to where he was needed. He spent his time with all twelve of the groups and was responsible for the health of the adult volunteers on the trip as well as the children. Mike was also responsible for a sourcing a portable ventilator for the trip, an expensive and life saving piece of equipment but this was just one part of the multitude of tasks which together make the trip possible.
Jo concludes:
"Going on Dreamflight is a huge honour. It is also a huge responsibility and mentally and physically exhausting. Dreamflight changes the lives of the children who go but I can also say that it's changed me. Would I go again? In a heartbeat."
For more information contact Barton Wyatt Estate Agents Surrey on 01344 843 000.
For information on Dreamflight visit www.dreamflight.org.
