News and Events

Marisa Garcia and family off to Lapland!

Indeed, the Centre staff had to give her a few minutes to let the news settle in before calling her back to confirm that it was actually the case. And this Thursday, 23rd December, Marisa and her family are off to Lapland!

Harlow resident Marisa is thirty-one the day before her trip, but she sounded as happy as her six-year old son Nicky is at the news. She will be accompanied by her sister, Donna Ayres and niece Caitlin who is also six and they are all looking forward to the trip, with Nicky being "very excited!"

Marisa works in a local primary school as a midday assistant which means she is able to be there for Nicky outside school hours and can spend as much time with him as possible. She is keeping her fingers crossed that the snowy conditions in England and across Europe don't interfere with their trip.

Marisa had entered the competition as she took her son to visit Father Christmas in his Grotto in the Harvey Centre, never dreaming that she would be able to take Nicky to visit him at home, in Lapland this week. But early on Thursday morning, weather permitting, Marisa, Nicky, Donna and Caitlin will board a three and a half hour flight to Lapland having enjoyed on-board singing, colouring, drawing and the joy of very excited children.

Then the magic starts the moment the icy blast of Artic air fills their lungs as they will be whisked away from the airport terminal on a sleigh ride across the frozen Finnish lakes towards the secret location set in a snow clad spruce forest, for six hours of magical fun.

The kids will also enjoy their choice of traditional reindeer and husky rides, snowmobiles and toboggans while they play in the perfect winter wonderland. There is also a visit to a stunning snow castle.

Then comes the moment the kids have been waiting for since they boarded the plane early in the morning. The chance to see Father Christmas himself at home! The look on Nicky and Caitlin's faces when they meet Santa is what it's all about – dreams becoming reality and we are looking forward to hearing all about their magical trip and to sharing some of their memories and glorious photos when Marisa visits us on Christmas Eve.