“Sibling days are an essential part of our service, giving children who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care the opportunity to have fun and make friends” – youngsters fly high after a special trip to Norwich Airport
Imagine being a child who has experienced the loss of a sibling or has a brother or sister who is receiving care at a hospice. It can be a challenging and emotional journey, filled with feelings of sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty. But what if you could escape into a world of excitement and adventure, where you could forget your worries and just have fun? That’s exactly what happened for a group of 11 children who recently visited Norwich Airport as part of a new charity partnership between the airport and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The children, who were either bereaved or had a sibling receiving care at The Nook, were treated to a special behind-the-scenes tour of the airport, complete with hands-on activities, a guided airfield tour, and a visit to the airport’s fire station.
As they explored the airport, the children’s eyes widened with wonder and excitement. They got to see planes taking off and landing just meters away, and even got to try out some of the airport’s equipment. But the day was about more than just having fun – it was also about providing a safe and supportive environment for the children to express their thoughts and feelings. Laura Southcott, EACH’s Senior Corporate Fundraiser for Norfolk, explained that “Sibling days are an essential part of our service, giving children who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care the opportunity to have fun and make friends.” She added that these days also focus on wellbeing, allowing children and young people to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. The visit was a huge success, with the children beaming with joy and excitement as they left the airport at the end of the day.
The visit was made possible thanks to the generosity of Norwich Airport, which has chosen EACH as its charity of the year. The airport has pledged to support the charity throughout 2025, with a series of fundraising and awareness-raising initiatives planned. Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “We were delighted to welcome the children and EACH staff and volunteers to the airport and provide a special day out. These young people play such an important role in their families, and we hope the visit created lasting memories.” He added that the airport is looking forward to supporting EACH in as many ways as possible, and is excited to be working with the charity to make a difference in the lives of children and families in the region.
The partnership between Norwich Airport and EACH is a testament to the power of community and the impact that businesses can have on the lives of those in need. By working together, the airport and the charity can provide vital support and services to children and families who are facing some of the toughest challenges imaginable. The visit to the airport was just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what other exciting initiatives and events the partnership has in store. As Laura Southcott said, “We’re incredibly grateful to Norwich Airport for their hospitality and ongoing support. Everyone went above and beyond for us, and watching planes land just metres away was an amazing experience.” The children who visited the airport will never forget their special day out, and will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity of the airport staff and volunteers.
The work of EACH is vital, providing care and support to children and families across the region. The charity’s hospices, including The Nook, offer a range of services, from end-of-life care to music therapy and play. The charity relies on the support of the community, including businesses like Norwich Airport, to continue its work. By partnering with EACH, Norwich Airport is helping to make a real difference in the lives of children and families, and is setting an example for other businesses to follow. As Richard Pace said, “These young people play such an important role in their families, and we hope the visit created lasting memories.” The partnership between Norwich Airport and EACH is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of those in need.
In conclusion, the visit to Norwich Airport was a resounding success, providing a fun and exciting day out for a group of children who have faced incredible challenges. The partnership between the airport and EACH is a testament to the power of community and the impact that businesses can have on the lives of those in need. As we look to the future, we can’t wait to see what other exciting initiatives and events the partnership has in store. The children who visited the airport will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity of the airport staff and volunteers, and will never forget their special day out. The work of EACH is vital, and we are grateful for the support of businesses like Norwich Airport, which are helping to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across the region.
