“If I was to describe a Dreamflight trip, I would say that it’s complete, wonderful madness”
Liz is a team leader in community children’s nursing, based in Scotland. She has been a nurse for over 34 years and a Dreamflight volunteer for nine.
Liz was introduced to Dreamflight through her work and she began nominating children for Dreamflight’s Orlando holidays. Seeing the confidence children gained post-trip and hearing what the experience meant to them, stayed with her. Although she wasn’t able to volunteer at the time, she always hoped she would one day.
In 2017, that moment came and Liz joined Dreamflight as a volunteer. Experiencing the Orlando trip from the inside for the first time, she quickly realised how special it is.
“Unless you’ve been on a Dreamflight trip, you cannot imagine what it’s going to be like. You become part of something truly unique, something that is fully encompassing and immersive. It engages every part of you, shaping not only your experience in the moment but leaving a lasting impact on your perspective and values. It’s not just an experience you take part in; it’s something you feel deeply, something that stays with you long after the trip is over.
If I was to describe a Dreamflight trip, I would say that it’s complete, wonderful madness. It’s an unforgettable assault on the senses. The energy is constant, the pace is relentless, and the atmosphere is filled with noise and colour. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. You will never laugh as much. You will never have as much fun. You will never cry as much. And you will never be as tired as you are during and after a Dreamflight trip.”
“We are all very clear on the goal, on why we are there as volunteers: to ensure the children and young people have a holiday of a lifetime”
For Liz, what stood out just as much as the trip itself was the team around her and their strong sense of shared purpose.
“You quickly become part of something much bigger than yourself. It’s the dedication, the compassion, the teamwork. There are no egos. There’s no ‘that’s not my job’. We are all very clear on the goal, on why we are there as volunteers: to ensure the children and young people have a holiday of a lifetime.”
During her time as a volunteer for Dreamflight, one of the most impactful aspects for Liz has been witnessing how the children begin to see themselves differently and their shift in mindset from limitations to possibilities.
“Seeing the confidence they develop, the friendships they make that will last a lifetime, being away from their parents and perhaps taking responsibility for their condition in a way they’ve never done before.
It’s about connection, being with others who are on a similar journey. As a guide, you help give them the confidence to try new things. Watching them grow and seeing them bloom is just incredible. The difference the trip makes in their lives is truly remarkable.”
“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be involved. When I come home after a trip, I feel like my heart is full and my soul is nourished”
Nine years on, Dreamflight continues to shape Liz both personally and professionally. The experience has influenced how she communicates with children and how she leads her team.
“Professionally, this experience has significantly strengthened and deepened my approach to both clinical care and leadership. It has reinforced the importance of truly holistic practice, moving beyond a focus on clinical care and medical needs alone to understanding and supporting each child as a whole person.
It has also shaped how I lead my team. Observing and being part of high functioning, compassionate teamwork has highlighted the impact of trust, shared purpose, and mutual support. I actively strive to embed these principles within my own team, fostering a culture where collaboration, respect, and collective responsibility underpin the delivery of safe, high-quality care.”
While the professional impact on Liz is clear, the personal significance is just as powerful.
“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be involved. When I come home after a trip, I feel like my heart is full and my soul is nourished. For me, Dreamflight has been deeply transformative, it’s profoundly meaningful.
I would wholeheartedly encourage others to volunteer with Dreamflight. It is an amazing and truly unique experience that not only makes a difference to the children, but will also change you as a person in ways you don’t expect.”
