Anna-Louise Photographs A Magical Day in Lapland
Pollyanna’s daughter and business partner Anna-Louise shared a magical day in Lapland in December creating amazing memories for children and their families who had their special wish to meet Santa granted by the wonderful charity When You Wish Upon a Star. Every December the charity enables hundreds of children to swap hospital beds for sleigh rides transporting them away from appointments, treatments and injections to the winter wonderland of Lapland in Finland.
When You Wish Upon A Star has a simple mission; to grant the wishes of children living with a life threatening illness. The charity was founded in Nottingham by Barbara White OBE who was so inspired by a seriously ill four year old with a dream to meet Mickey Mouse that she wanted to bring smiles to the faces of many more brave and courageous children. Their Wishes have the power to transform the lives of the children and families they work with and since 1990 they have proudly granted over 18000 Wishes across the UK.
Pollyanna and Anna-Louise travelled to Lapland with the children over ten years ago – and Anna-Louise was honoured to be asked to join the magical trip again, this time as the official photographer for the day. She documented candid moments throughout the day – and her images went on to be used in the National Press – including the Sunday Express, Sunday People and the Sunday Mirror.
The day started with a dedicated flight on Santa’s Express plane – with the children and their families accompanied by a wonderful team of paramedics, as well as celebrities who helped to make the day special. Among them were Emmerdale actor Ash Palmisciano and Sue Cleaver best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street . Jeremy Spake the breakout star from the BBC documentary television series Airport acted as host for the day. West End star Jodie Prenger, winner of the talent show I’d Do Anything – who has gone on to act in Coronation Street – was the perfect person to lead the Carol singing throughout the trip!
On arrival the families visited the snow village where the children could enjoy sled rides and skidoos, meet Santa’s reindeer – and toast marshmallows over an open fire. While there Anna-Louise put her camera down briefly to take part in a game of football in the snow with a group of the children – and former England Lionesses captain Jill Scott! (above left with Anna-Louise) “The game was a really fun part of a magical day” Anna-Louise commented “it was complete chaos – we have no idea who won – but everyone was having a great time!”
From there the children went to the warmth of a hotel for lunch – and most importantly to meet Father Christmas – and the day ended with a visit to Santa’s village before the flight home. Charity Founder Barbara White told us “We believe every child deserves to smile and with your support we can provide time away, giving children and their families something to look forward to through times of uncertainty and often financial as well as emotional strain. Wishes and Treats allow the family to put their child’s illness on hold as they have fun and create precious memories.”
Find out more about their work at : www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk