CHILDREN ENJOY FESTIVE FLIGHT

Three young sisters whose mother died over a year ago enjoyed a special date with Santa when they boarded a festive flight.

Twins Bethany and Brooklyn Munday, aged five, and their sister Lily, aged seven, of Gorton, joined other socially disadvantaged and disabled youngsters on the Santa Flight from Manchester Airport, organised by charity ChildFlight.

The round trip on Monday (Dec 11) saw them meet Father Christmas on board before touching back down at the airport’s Atlantic Suite, which had been transformed into a magical grotto.

The girls were able to join the memorable trip thanks to the efforts of Trish Martin, senior welfare rights adviser at housing provider William Sutton Housing Association.

Trish became involved with the family when the twin girls came to stay with their aunt and guardian Janet Clorley – a William Sutton tenant at Gorton.

Trish said: “I worked closely with the family to help make sure they were receiving the right benefits and was struck by how terrible it was for these young girls to have lost their mum.

“I wanted to try and organise something that would give the whole family a lift, and got in touch with the charity ChildFlight. I was delighted that they were accepted onto the trip and was thrilled to be able to join them and see their faces as they set off to meet Santa.

“The experience was wonderful and I hope it has brought some Christmas cheer to this deserving family.”

Trish and the welfare rights team at William Sutton work with tenants to offer advice and support on accessing the right benefits.

Janet Clorley said: “It was wonderful to be able to take the girls on the flight, and we are very grateful to Trish and the charity for making it happen. She has been such a help in sorting us out with what we are entitled to and this was more than we could have asked for.

“It really did make the girls’ Christmas and it is especially nice for them given all that they have been through.”

Ends

Press release issued: December 14 2006