It was a dream come true for hundreds of children who were waved off on a flight from Heathrow to Hogwarts by a Harry Potter star.
Around 200 seriously ill and disabled children met Neville Longbottom, better known as actor Matthew Lewis, ahead of taking off on the British Airways Dreamflight, bound for Disney World, Florida, and Harry Potter World.
Mr Lewis said he was honoured to be part of the magical send-off, adding: "It’s humbling to see how excited the kids are to be flying off to visit Harry Potter World. I hope they have an incredible time."
Ahead of take-off, celebrations were in full-swing at the airport where presenter Konnie Huq joined the group along with characters from Star Wars and Tinkerbell to wave off the specially chartered flight through a magical castle.
Mum-of-two Konnie added: “Dreamflight is a great cause and this trip will make a huge difference to the children's lives.
"As a mother, I know how enthusiastic children get about the prospect of going on holiday, and Disney World will top any other adventure!”
Dreamflight together with BA cabin crew and an army of volunteers each year, since 1987, whisk away children for a 10-day holiday of a lifetime where they spend time at attractions including Disney World and Universal Studios.
BA captain Andrew Bean said: “I feel honoured to be flying the Dreamflight group of children to Florida. The children are such an inspiration to us all and it’s wonderful to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime, special trip.”
For more information on Dreamflight, visit: http://www.dreamflight.org or find out more about BA's charity work at www.britishairways.com .
