British Airways pays for seven-year-old cancer survivor's Disneyland trip after Thomas Cook collapse

A family have said they "cannot thank British Airways enough" after the airline offered to fund a Disney trip that was cancelled after Thomas Cook's collapse.

A trip to Disneyland for seven-year-old cancer survivor Connor Kitching will go ahead thanks to an intervention by British Airways

Connor Kitching, aged seven, and his family from Hillingdon in Middlesex were planning to visit Disney World Orlando next month to celebrate Connor receiving the all-clear from liver cancer.

"It was booked after Connor got the all clear. Due to the Thomas Cook breakdown, the whole holiday was cancelled as it was booked through Thomas Cook.

"We've been contacted today from British Airways who have now covered the cost of the flights and accommodation so that the family don't miss out on the holiday."

Connor was given the all-clear from cancer in November last year after being diagnosed in April 2017, and undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The family were entitled to a refund from Thomas Cook. However, due to delays as a consequence of the company's collapse, a refund would not come through in time for the family to stick to their original booking.

After hearing about Thomas Cook's collapse, Ms Atkins, who helped the family to fundraise for the holiday in 2017, took to Twitter to speak about the holiday's cancellation.

She said: "Since the news yesterday morning, Katie messaged saying it's cancelled, the boys are devastated, Connor's absolutely heartbroken."

Ms Atkins sent tweets which were seen by BA, who then offered to fund the family's flights and accommodation.

British Airways responded to Ms Atkins on Twitter, saying: "We hope you have an amazing time at Disneyland! Congratulations on getting better too, Connor!"

After tweeting about the holiday cancellation, Ms Atkins said she also had interest from Tui, Make a Wish and Virgin in funding the trip.

Ms Atkins said: "We cannot thank British Airways enough for literally stepping in. They've kept the same dates, so the family will still be flying out on 2 October now.

"They've literally changed a nightmare today."

BA has been approached for comment.