Harry Potter star helps dreams come true for sick children

Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis ensured 200 children’s holiday of a lifetime got off to a magic start as the annual Dreamflight jet embarked on a sunshine break in Florida.

Konnie Huq and Matthew Lewis with the Dreamflight children at Heathrow Airport. Picture: PA

The actor, who played Hogwarts student Neville Longbottom in the fantasy film franchise, was joined by television presenter Konnie Huq as the excited passengers boarded the specially chartered British Airways charity flight to the sunshine state.

The young passengers have been hand-picked to join the ten-day holiday by doctors and medical experts, having battled with serious illness, disability and trauma. They will visit a host of attractions, including SeaWorld, Disney World and Universal Studios.

Lewis, 26, said: “I read about what Dreamflight was and how amazing it was going to be for these kids that I jumped at the chance to be here. It’s been the most amazing day, it’s been a pleasure.

“All these kids have been looking forward to this for a really long time. It just takes me back to when I was a kid and went over to Orlando and saw some amazing things.”