It is rumoured that due to new operational restrictions being put in place for single pilot, multi-reindeer, IMC flying, Santa has been forced to seek alternative forms of transport recently. It’s normally the tinkle of bells rather than the whine of a turbine that precedes the jolly man’s arrival, but children were treated recently to the unusual spectacle of Santa arriving by helicopter at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa.

Thanks to flight training school Multiflight and helicopter owners Total Asset Finance, Santa was provided with a Dauphin twin-turbine helicopter for a special Christmas flight to the hospice on the morning of Tuesday December 22^nd, with Leeds Bradford International Airport generously providing presents for the children.

Stuart Andrew, fundraising manager at Martin House Children’s Hospice, says that the hospice is thrilled that Multiflight and Leeds Bradford International Airport joined forces to help out.

 “Martin House Children’s Hospice provides care for children and young people with progressive life limiting illnesses and provides support to their families and we do everything we can to help create special memories for them,” says Stuart.

 “A visit to the hospice by Santa in a helicopter was a wonderful and special event for the children and their families and a memory they can treasure.”

Stuart adds that the hospice needs to raise £4.2 million a year to run the service it provides at its purpose built hospice in Boston Spa, Wetherby, and care for children and young people from throughout the Yorkshire region.

 “The aim of Martin House is to provide family led care for children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.  It is a place where children, young people and their families can come to stay from time to time along their journey and find support, rest and practical help.”

 See www.martinhouse.org.uk

Meanwhile, additional rumours that Santa is currently undergoing investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority for multiple breaches of Rule 5 of the Air Navigation Order, while Rudolph is being separately investigated for a time-expired Certificate of Airworthiness, are completely unfounded… apparently.