Regional airline Loganair has launched a partnership with a Scottish charity to support children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
As the UK’s largest regional airline and majority operator at Aberdeen Airport, Loganair offers services from Stornoway, Shetland, Orkney, Barra, Tiree and Campbeltown.
Through its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas), Loganair will fundraise throughout the year and provide children and staff nurses with flights for ‘Chas at Home services’, offering respite to families.
This partnership will enable Chas to reach more vulnerable families, particularly in the most remote parts of the country, giving them access to specialised care and providing opportunities for special experiences.
Kay Ryan, Loganair’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are truly humbled by the work and support that Chas provides to families across Scotland. As the country’s only palliative care provider for children, it is imperative they can reach those in need and providing travel is a small part we can play in assisting Chas with its mission.
“Earlier this year we supported Chas with a special visit to the Jackson family in Orkney before 21-year-old Abbie transitioned to adult care.
“We flew two nurses from Inverness to Kirkwall to spend the weekend with Abbie who took part in music therapy while her parents, Karen and Dave, were able to have respite for the weekend and relax knowing their daughter was in safe hands.
“From this visit alone, we witnessed first-hand the difference that Chas can make and the joy the organisation brings to families. We look forward to helping many more families in the months to come.”
Chas at Home nurses will return to Orkney later this month, thanks to the new partnership, to visit another family in need of support.
Nicky Bridges, associate director for outreach services at Chas, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to hear about the partnership with Loganair.
“Partnering with Loganair will give us the ability to reach vulnerable families in the most remote areas of Scotland. The partnership will help ensure that no family has to face the death of their child alone.”
Pictured from left: Nicky Bridges, Chas; Loganair’s Kay Ryan; and Lara Macdonald, Chas.
Picture by Chris Watt