The UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair, is supporting BBC Children in Need’s Surprise Squad challenge by gifting flights from London Stansted to City of Derry Airport.

The Surprise Squad is made up of five inspirational young people who have been supported by BBC Children in Need and want to give back and lend a helping hand to benefit others.

Currently embarking on a journey across the country, the Surprise Squad will complete surprise challenges for BBC Children in Need funded projects that are in need of a little help and welcomed boost. This could be anything from creating a secret garden for a children’s hospice, to organising a much needed community fundraising event.

Among the five team members is 16-year-old Roisin from Derry/Londonderry who had a stroke aged 14, resulting in life changing disabilities. Roisin had to relearn how to walk, talk and eat and has been supported by Brain Injury Matters who deliver a youth empowerment project with funding from BBC Children in Need.

Roisin said: “Being part of the Surprise Squad is a huge achievement for me. I’m really looking forward to helping make a difference that will benefit others. I hope that those who can do, donate.”

Kay Ryan, Loganair’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The services that BBC Children in Need funded projects provide are invaluable to children and families across the UK. The challenges that are being undertaken by the Surprise Squad will make a positive impact on the projects and we’re proud to show our support and provide flights for part of their journey.”

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport added, “BBC Children in Need is a charity that is very close to our hearts. We were proud to join together with the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, in providing a warm, ‘Walled City’ welcome to the Surprise Squad when they landed in the North West.

“It was particularly special given that Roisin of the Surprise Squad is local to the city, and as with the rest of the team, she is a truly inspirational young person. City of Derry Airport is supporting the squad’s activity with the facility for donations throughout the airport this week.”

The Surprise Squad landed in Derry/Londonderry last week to support an unsuspecting local BBC Children in Need funded group. 

To watch the BBC Children in Need Surprise Squad in action at the project in Northern Ireland, tune in to The One Show on BBC One from 7pm on Tuesday 16^th November.

For details on how to donate and support The Surprise Squad for BBC Children in Need please visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.