Santa swaps sleigh for RAF helicopter to get a head start on delivering gifts

11 December 2023 , 19:48

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No carrots needed to get this new sleigh up in the air (Image: BBC)

Rudolph's red nose may well have just been put out of joint after his world-famous boss chose a chopper rather than hoof power to deliver goodies.

Father Christmas decided it would be quicker to get presents to youngsters in a children's hospital by enlisting the help of the RAF and one of its helicopters. The jolly red-suited man from the North Pole was taking part in the annual Santa Drop, where 200 presents are delivered to patients at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.

So Santa teamed up with RAF Benson for a ride in one of its Pumas for the event, which is organised by the base's Youth Activities Liaison Team and is now in its fifth year. Gifts were donated by the base's personnel, their families and children from more than 35 local schools.

Once airborne Santa was able to give a wave to kids across the county (BBC)

Group captain Royston-Airey RAF Benson's commander, told the BBC: "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."

Maz Ormonde, who was at the hospital with her daughter Florence, said: "It's really lovely for the kids because they're stuck in hospital. To be sent down by the ward to come and see Santa is a nice surprise for them."

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The children were delighted to see Santa visit them in hospital (BBC)

Carrie Lee, play specialist at the hospital, said: "It was magical, it was so amazing, it's been lovely especially for the families who will probably be here for Christmas." The flight was moved from Wednesday, December 6, because of fog.

And it's not the first time that Santa has thumbed a lift in a helicopter. In fact, it's quite a regular occurrence, not only in the UK, but around the world. Last month, he used a sheriff's search and rescue chopper in Oregon, US, to hear the Christmas wishes of the local kids, and recently visited Portland, Maine, landing at Hadlock Field, home of baseball side the Portland Sea Dogs to the delight of the town's kids.

And across the years, he has used a Griffin helicopter to deliver presents to The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s hospital, in Liverpool, as well as using a Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton to tour seven primary schools across Somerset to spread Christmas cheer. He also took to the skies of Shropshire in a Juno helicopter from RAF Shawbury last year, where he paid a visit to 17 local schools.

Paul Donald