Our dreams are routed in jet streams of cherished, lifelong memories for children facing life’s toughest challenges.
The first Destination Florida trip took place in 1988 with 25 children, made possible by our founders, Doctor David Evans and Sister Alex Shaw, alongside the support of British Airways ground staff.
Inspired by a group of northern children who were nominated for a trip to Florida through a London charity, but were not chosen, our founders aimed to provide a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience for children with life-limiting conditions living in the north of England.
Today, Destination Florida is supported by a mobile hospital of 110 professionals, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and adult helpers accompanying each trip.
We provide an incredible eight-day opportunity for 72 children from the North of England to visit Florida’s premier theme parks. From the thrilling Animal Kingdom to the enchanting Magic Kingdom, alongside the adventure-filled Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, these journeys create unforgettable experiences for inspirational children.
Beyond the thrill of the theme parks, our remarkable children enjoy a team-building day involving hotel pool time, shopping, a Cirque de Soleil show, and a final night celebration with entertainment.
Destination Florida became a registered charity in 1991 and was granted the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020. We have enabled 1,600 children to attend one of our life-changing trips.
Chairman
Stephen Ashworth FRICS is proudly the Chairman of Destination Florida Children’s Charity. Stephen has been a non-medical volunteer and sponsor since 2010 and was unanimously voted as the chair by the board in late 2023. Stephen has been Chairman & CEO of Hurstwood Holdings & for the last 25 years. His group of companies largely focus on property investment and development and also contains a classic car and a medical business. Stephen has been the Chair of the North West Regional Board for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for 6 years, a global organisation of over 200,000 members.
Deputy Chair
As the CEO of Morson Group, a leading global talent, engineering and technical recruitment company, I am not only committed to driving business success but also to making a positive impact on the lives of others. For over 25 years, I am proud to have served as a trustee and volunteer for Destination Florida.
Medical Trustee
Sam has been involved with Destination Florida since 2002, she is a Registered Paediatric Nurse, Specialist Public Health Nurse, and Specialist Screening Nurse. Sam's background is diverse, with extensive experience in various medical settings including Accident and Emergency (A&E), paediatric surgical and medical nursing, community nursing, safeguarding, health visiting, and genetics. Through her dedication and compassionate approach, Sam exemplifies the values of the charity and remains a driving force in improving the lives of children.
Medical Trustee
Dr Graham Mason is a Consultant in Paediatric High Dependency Care and Clinical Head of Division for Paediatric Critical Care and Surgery at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Graham is proud to have been one of the DF doctors since his first trip in 2012 and in late 2025 was honoured to become a medical trustee and the DF medical co-lead. Graham is passionate about helping drive the charity forwards by supporting a collaborative approach with his fellow trustees, medical, nursing and non medical helpers.
Trustee
Ben has grown up with Destination Florida. An entrepreneur and business enthusiast, Ben worked hard helping with the events and the trip planning, leading to Ben being asked to join the trustee board. His positivity and happiness drives the charity and his love for the charity is inspiring.
Trustee
Sam has been sponsoring and fundraising for the charity for over 10 years and became a non-medical volunteer on the 2025 trip. In recent years Sam has founded an annual Padel event specifically for Destination Florida raising the profile of the charity, driving corporate connections whilst generating valuable funds. Sam spent his career in the global software market growing one of the largest hospitality technology companies in the world.
Trustee
Dave became involved with the charity in 1990 through fundraising with his work colleagues. He has been on 10 trips and been a volunteer helper, deputy group leader, group leader and on the coordinating team. He worked for rugby charities for many years and became a trustee in January 2024.
Trustee
Mark joined the charity as a volunteer over 20 years ago. Having retired as a chartered financial advisor he serves on the board of trustees as our treasurer. Prior to joining Destination Florida, he also served as the National president of the UK and Ireland Leos organisation, part of Lions Clubs International.
Mascot
Jet the Bear is the all-time funniest, friendliest, fuzziest, funkiest bear! He enjoys exercising, playing the drums and is Manchester number one honey connoisseur. His best friends are Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Baloo. Jet is responsible for entertaining our wonderful VIC’S (very incredible children). Jet occupies most of his free time by entertaining our DFCC supporters at schools, offices, fundraising balls, and other events. Jet loves traveling to Florida even if he does have to sit in the hold of the Plane.
Office
