Spicerhaart’s in-house charity, Magic Moments, has taken a group of bereaved families on a trip to Disneyland Paris to help them make new magical memories.

A total of 54 people from 12 families, including 27 children, went on the four-day trip led by Emma Barber, Magic Moments trustee and Spicerhaart’s head of training and development.

She said: “The families were nominated by the 13 children’s hospices we support across the UK following the death of a child.

“People realised once they walked through the doors at Disneyland that it was okay to have fun in that environment and create new memories for their other children. Many said they wouldn’t have done it on their own as we made it really easy for them and removed all the stress.”

One of the families who went on the trip, the Pettengells (pictured below), said they were extremely grateful to Magic Moments following the death of their toddler son.

Noah Pettengell was just 20 months old when he died in April 2016, having suffered brain damage at birth. His parents, Marc and Robyn, and three siblings were nominated by Little Havens Hospice at Benfleet, close to their home in Basildon in Essex, to take part in the trip.

A second trip is planned for November.

Magic Moments was established in 1998 by Spicerhaart and has raised more than £1.4m.

A number of fundraising events are held across the year, including dragon boat racing and climbing the Three Peaks.

The charity is currently organising a 55-mile London to Brighton bike ride for later this year.

Jon Martin, chairman of Magical Moments, said: “The trip means so much to families who have lost a child and really does put a smile back on their faces. Usually we also take families who have children with life-limiting illnesses but this was the first time where we just had bereaved families, which meant everyone knew what everyone else was going through.

“We couldn’t do this it wasn’t for the generosity of our staff across the UK and I would like to personally thank them for everything they do to contribute to this extremely worthwhile cause.”

To take part in the London to Brighton bike ride or help fundraise for Magic Moments, visit magicmomentscharity.co.uk