By Chris Massarella | Head of Fundraising, Lia's Wings
We are delighted to share the following report, covering the results of our ongoing Pediatric Flight programme, across 2025.
Building on our success last year, we have continued to fly a remarkable amount of transfers (meeting a 68% increase in terms of referrals from the previous year), alongside many other incredible feats, such as:
Perhaps most remarkably, for the first time in our history, we have seen a big shift in our work, with 50% of our flights now being undertaken domestically, and 50% globally. in 2025 we have flown to The USA (twice) Australia, Thailand, Morocca, and all across Europe to provide life-changing interventions for children. We never know when, or where the next call for support might be coming from, but - thanks to donors like you - we will be there to answer it!
We have also continued to see increasingly complex cases coming to us, and we are also proud that we have not yet had to turn down a flight based on the severity of a child's condition, or injury. We continue to be able to provide life-changing, and life-saving care for every child that needs it, no matter their circumstances.
Another marked change in our service delivery, is that - so far in 2025 - we have supported 15 pediatric patients (compared to only 10 last year). We undertook flights for children who had sustained catastrophic injuries overseas, who had succumbed to sudden, severe illness, and moved many children in need or urgent surgery, or requiring specialist therapies that they simply couldn't have accessed without our help.
One of the amazing children we have flown this year - through your support - is Lucy, who we repatriated home to the UK after suddenly falling ill whilst on holiday with her family. Please read her story below, to find out how you helped Lia's Wings save her life:
Eight-year-old Lucy, from Birmingham, travelled to Poland with her family for what was meant to be a relaxing break, visiting her grandparents. After everyone caught a sickness bug, her parents thought little of it when Lucy began feeling unwell, but her condition rapidly deteriorated.
What began as a happy family holiday has turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.
Eight-year-old Lucy, from Birmingham, travelled to Poland with her family for what was meant to be a relaxing break, visiting her grandparents. After everyone caught a sickness bug, her parents thought little of it when Lucy began feeling unwell, but her condition rapidly deteriorated.
Lucy’s dad, Michael, reflects:
“On Monday morning, before the flight, she was up and about. She grabbed her suitcase; she was excited to go. You just don't expect to go to a foreign country just to visit family and then, all of a sudden, an extreme case of sepsis.”
She was rushed to hospital, where she received blood transfusions, platelets, and treatment for sepsis. Tests revealed alarming results: a high white blood cell count, a low red blood cell count, and unexplained bruising and spots. Doctors feared she might have leukaemia, but needed to carry out biopsies to confirm.
Because Lucy was so weak, doctors were hesitant to put her under anaesthetic. They advised that she should return to the UK for further testing and treatment, surrounded by her family and supported by NHS specialists.
At this point, Lucy was critically ill, scared, and far from home, unable to walk and undergoing intense treatment in a foreign hospital. Her family were desperate to bring their little girl home so she could receive the expert care she needed and so they could be together during this frightening time.
Although Lucy’s mum had wisely brought her EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which covered emergency treatment in Poland, it did not cover the cost of medical repatriation. The family now faced the daunting task of funding a specialist air ambulance transfer to the UK.Because of her fragile condition, Lucy could not travel on a normal flight. She needed to be flown home on a fully equipped air ambulance, accompanied by a specialist medical team.
When Lia’s Wings received the urgent call from Lucy’s family, we immediately stepped in to arrange her transfer. Within hours, our medical team were on their way to Poland to bring her safely home. Lia’s Wings knew that there was a narrow window of opportunity to transfer Lucy back to the UK. Her condition was such that further diagnostic tests needed to be conducted as soon as possible, with the view to then starting treatment straight away.
If Lia’s Wings didn’t work to move Lucy immediately, then this initial window for transfer would be missed, and Lucy would then have to remain in Poland for a prolonged period of time.
“Lucy was brought back on Monday via Lia’s Wings, they were amazing and are our saviours… Even when it seemed impossible, they were the only charity to support us. Thank you, Lia's Wings.” – Gemma, Lucy’s auntie.
“Even when it seemed impossible, they were the only charity to support us.The truth is, you don't know you need the charity until you need the charity. We didn't even know it existed. The charity's helped out, and they've done so much, and I can't thank them enough.”- Michael, Lucy’s dad
We flew Lucy to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, her local specialist centre, where she was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Lucy underwent several tests that confirmed she has leukaemia. Now that doctors have identified the cause of her illness, she has been able to begin treatment straight away. We are incredibly proud of Lucy and how bravely she’s coping with such serious challenges; it’s a lot for an eight-year-old to face.
Her family has shared that she’s feeling a little better, she's been watching Christmas films to keep her spirits up, and they’re relieved and encouraged that she’s now receiving the proper treatment she needs.
Time was of the essence with this transfer; flying Lucy back to the UK has changed the course of her care, ensuring she will not spend Christmas unwell and isolated overseas. Thanks to your support, Lucy is now safe, surrounded by her family, and receiving specialist NHS care.
Lucy's story is one of bravery and resilience, but her case typifies the strength shown by all of the children (and families) we have supported this year.
In each of these instances, and with every call for help we receive, Lia's Wings continues to be the only option for children, and families in urgent need. We are so grateful for the support we have received, and as we enter the new year, the number of children we will be required to fly looks set to grow again.
On behalf of the Lia's Wings Team, and all the beneficiaries we have supported this year: thank you!
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