FAMILIES THAT use Rachel House hospice enjoyed a taste of the high life on Saturday with a special flight around Tayside.

ScotAirways donated the half-hour flight to a charity auction raising money for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

Forster Roofing Specialists bought the flight, and gave it back to the hospice, which invited service users and families on the flight.

Seven-year-old Harry Beattie, who suffers from cerebral palsy, didn’t sleep a wink on Friday night as he was so excited about taking to the air.

His dad Paul Beattie said, “Harry has already been on a plane twice before, but his brother and sister Connor and Amy have never been so lucky. It’s great now that they can have the experience too, and it’s great to get a nice family day out that we all can enjoy—we’re all very excited.”

Alison Blair, activities co-ordinator from CHAS also thanked the company for their kindness. She said, “It’s an absolutely brilliant experience for the adults and children who are here today.”

Alison said the hospice’s services are also extended to bereaved families, and that some of the people attending had recently lost family members.

“Today is particularly special for brothers or sisters who have recently lost a sibling.

“It’s nice to bring some joy back into their lives and make them feel good about enjoying themselves again.

“A lot of these families will just have come through quite a bad Christmas and this kind of thing will really help.”

After the flight, the group was treated to a buffet lunch and the children received Easter eggs and sweets.