Destination Florida Children's Charity

Destination Florida is a charity that works with children who have life threatening and life limiting medical conditions. This amazing charity organises life enhancing biannual trips to Florida for around 75 children from across the United Kingdom. Lasting for eight days, the children are given the opportunity to visit all the major theme parks, including; Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. They also have a relaxing and team building day involving time in the hotel pool, a shopping trip and watching a Cirque Du Soleil show, plus a final night party with entertainment. High quality medical and pastoral care is provided by 110 adults throughout the time we are away in Florida. This is achieved through the delivery of a mobile hospital consisting of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. Additionally, adult helpers work with the medical staff to create six ‘caring teams’ to enable one to one support to be provided for each child.

​Caring for the children who are taken on a trip is often a full-time responsibility for their parents or guardians. Therefore, only children travel to Florida allowing their carers to have priceless eight days of respite whilst having the reassurance of knowing their child will continue to have professional medical care. The children who are invited to join a Destination Florida trip are dealing with medical issues every day of their lives. The charity donates much needed sunshine into children's lives by providing an environment where they are supported and cared by teams of medical staff and helpers. Coping with an illness can be a lonely place, especially when you are a child. The charity’s team-based approach creates a mutually supportive environment and the children often make lifelong friendships.