Santa has made a flying visit to Oxford Children’s Hospital, trading his sleigh and reindeer for a Puma Helicopter from 33 Squadron, to deliver presents to poorly children donated from Benson personnel and their families, and over 35 local schools.
Flying from RAF Benson and passing by many of the schools in the local area to give children a glimpse of Santa, he landed at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Carrying sacks laden with over 200 presents and with the help of RAF Benson personnel, Santa handed out the presents to young patients who cannot be at home this Christmas, spreading Christmas joy in his popup grotto.
Organised by the Youth Activities Liaison Team at RAF Benson, the Santa Drop involved children from local schools right across the local area and donations from the RAF Benson service community.
"These flights allow us to engage with nearly 6000 school children and showcase the best of the RAF whilst achieving RAF training objectives. The impact on the children, at the schools, and Hospital, is priceless, and the team is honoured to represent the RAF’".
Flight Lieutenant Northcote
RAF Benson
Santa left more presents behind for the hospital teams to give to any new patients admitted over Christmas.
"To allow my reindeer to save their energy for Christmas Eve, I called my friends at RAF Benson who offered me a lift in a helicopter that’s capable of getting into small spaces. It was wonderful and means I could still deliver these very special presents.’’
Santa
Having given out over 1000 presents, the RAF Benson Santa Drop is now in its 5th year.
"The Santa Drop is without doubt one of RAF Benson’s finest traditions. Being able to bring joy and Christmas cheer to children across Oxfordshire and in particular those in hospital is an absolute privilege. It is of course a whole force effort: support staff, engineers, Air Crew and not forgetting Father Christmas himself."
Group Capt Royston-Airey
Station Commander RAF Benson
