Little Troopers Christmas Smiles campaign takes RAF Wittering military children to Lapland UK

Military children whose parents are serving overseas with British Armed Forces this Christmas were treated to a festive experience.

Arranged by military children’s charity, Little Troopers, as part of its Christmas Smiles campaign, Gabriella, 9, and Brody, 5, from RAF Wittering spent the day at Lapland UK.

Their dad has been deployed to Cyprus, making it a 'difficult Christmas' for the family.

Gabriella and Brody’s mum, Jenny, said: "The children are really missing him and it’s harder at Christmas when we usually do so much together as a family."

They were among 10 families that spent the day exploring the enchanted forest, making toys in the elves’ workshop and meeting Father Christmas.

The event aimed to bring Christmas cheer to British Armed Forces children who will be separated from one or more of their parents over the festive season due to overseas deployments and operations.

Jenny, said: "I was thrilled to win tickets to Lapland and I surprised the children with the trip.

"It was such a magical day and it really has made a difficult Christmas a little brighter for us."

"It's nice for them to chat with other children and feel that they are not on their own," she added.

Gabriella and Brody sent their dad pictures and enjoyed telling him about the day over FaceTime, which eased his worry about not being there for Christmas.

The family plans to return to Lapland UK as a whole family in future years.

This is the fifth year that Little Troopers and Lapland UK have teamed up to run the special military event, with 500 families entering to win tickets.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: "Christmas is all about family time and making memories, which is why it’s a particularly difficult time of year for any British Armed Forces families who have someone serving away.

"The number of entries we’ve had this year just goes to show how many military families are still separated from their loved ones by active service, that’s why we’re so grateful to Lapland UK for giving these military families the ultimate Christmas experience.

“It was wonderful to see the children so excited and happy - that’s what it’s all about.

"It was a magical and memorable day that these families will remember forever and enjoy sharing with their serving parent when they return home.”

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