Mission / History

Mission/history

Dreamflight was co-founded in 1986 by Patricia Pearce and Derek Pereira, both of whom worked for British Airways. Patricia had previously helped to organise a BA project, Skyride, which raised money to take underprivileged children on a one-hour ‘Christmas party’ flight. Patricia and Derek decided to go one step further and take deserving children to Walt Disney World, and Dreamflight was born.

The first trip took place in November 1987. Dreamflight has operated every year since, and over 6,000 children have now experienced their ‘holiday of a lifetime’.

Each October, 192 children from across the UK come together to board Dreamflight’s privately-hired aircraft to Orlando. Parents are not allowed, but instead a huge volunteer team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other helpers look after the children for 10 days. Our volunteers and supporters fundraise for the charity year-round, in order to make the trip happen.

Dreamflight is not just a holiday; it does something that medicine can’t. The children get the opportunity to discover independence, confidence, and a whole new outlook on life. Often for the first time, they realise that they are not the odd one out. They gain perspective and experience things that they never thought possible.

In the past, Dreamflight has also provided support for children after they have returned from their holiday. Launched in 2017, the Beyond Dreamflight scheme has given an extra boost to help former Dreamflight children in reaching their potential, by providing tailored support that isn’t available elsewhere.

Dreamflight is a registered charity in England and Wales (charity no 1117303) and Scotland (SCO44892).

What makes us different?

We are the only charity that takes deserving children from across the UK to Orlando as a peer group, with no parents. Instead the children are accompanied by a team of volunteers from all walks of life, who support the children 24/7. We believe the 10-day experience helps build independence, confidence and friendships – and is huge fun!

Our values

We are:

  • Committed to helping children realise their full potential
  • Compassionate to deserving children and their families
  • Safe: the children’s safety is our priority at all times
  • Professional and organised in all aspects of our work
  • Welcoming to new people and new ideas
  • Fun to spend time with

Dylan climbs the Inn Pinn

04 Sep 2023

After his holiday with Dreamflight in the Donald Duck Group, Dylan came back full of confidence. This is why him…

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Invitations are coming!

28 Jul 2023

Following some fantastic nominations, this year’s children have been selected and invitations are on their way! Most of the children…

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Partnership with BA Better World Community Fund

02 Jun 2023

We’ve partnered with British Airways Better World Community Fund and are very grateful to have received funding directly from BA…

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Another trip to Exmoor!

21 Apr 2023

We’re thrilled to report that – in addition to our Florida trip – Dreamflight has taken another group of fabulous…

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