DREAMS came true for scores of poorly children as they enjoyed a VIP visit to Lapland.
The trip of a lifetime came thanks to the generous donations to the When You Wish Upon a Star charity.
The excitement beamed from the youngsters as they set off from Humberside Airport today bound for the Arctic circle and the home of Father Christmas.
He was not the only celebrity to impress the children, as they were greeted at the airport by a group of famous faces.
Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara was one of Santa's little helpers along with Holby City actress Lauren Drummond, Loose Women panellist Denise Welch and Emmerdale stars Nick Miles, John Middleton and Bhasker Patel.
Lauren, who plays Chantelle Lane in the hit BBC hospital drama, said: "It is life changing for the parents and the children. They get to see their children being children for the day.
Meanwhile, former footballer Chris described the trip as a "humbling experience". He added: "It's amazing. Especially when you see the kids meeting Santa. It is all worth it.
"It is sad there are eight children who cannot make it because they are not well. But the ones that are here will have a great time. It makes you feel how lucky you are."
As they set off on their special journey, there were hugs and kisses from the celebrities for the dozens of children from the North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Louth and Market Rasen areas.
When You Wish Upon A Star area manager Joanne Heywood told how her fears of a cancellation lifted as the weather in Lapland eased with temperatures lifting from minus 32 degrees centigrade to minus 7 degrees.
She said: "It looks like someone is looking after us. It is forecast to snow as well which makes it all the more magical.
"It has all gone to plan but we are sad some children won't be able to come with us because they are not well enough. Minus 30 would not be suitable, but minus 7 is do-able."
She added: "I find when families talk about the trip they say it is difficult to put into words their feelings.
"They go through the most unimaginable times with all the treatments their children need. It is incredibly difficult for parents to stand and watch their children go through what they do.
Joanne, who has helped organise 18 trips, said: "We hear time and time again from children and their families say it is the best day of their lives."
Among those leaving behind their worries for the day were the family of Mia Enefer, 6, from Cleethorpes.
After dealing with Type One diabetes for most of her life, her mum Kelly Isherwood, 37, decided to keep the trip a total surprise. Mia woke to find her mum holding a letter from Santa. It said: "You are wondering why mummy woke you. It is because you are going to Lapland on a plane.."
The Reynolds Academy pupil said: "It was a secret. I am looking forward to seeing Santa."
There was also a huge surprise for Scarlett Cowan, 8, from South Killingholme who did not know where she was going until she arrived at Humberside Airport.
She said: "I am looking forward to going out with the huskies. I am excited."
Lucy Sutton, 7, who battles with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, was thrilled to make the journey after missing out last year as she was undergoing treatment to her left leg. She said: "I can't wait to get on a Ski-Doo."
Lucy's mum Catriona, of Scartho was "nervous and excited all in one." She added: "I still can't believe we are going to Lapland."Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
