Dream Lapland trip for Sam

Sam Nutbrown, eight, swam 22 lengths at a pool in Wakefield and raised £1,500 for research into the illness after being spurred on by his grandmother, Joyce, who has the disease.

As a reward, the Alzheimers Society in Wakefield, a Text Santa charity, highlighted him as someone who had gone above and beyond to raise money.

Sam, whose mum Claire and dad Ian are former Express reporters, was told about his trip in a special surprise video message to his class from Santa earlier this month.

At the time Sam said: “I wanted to raise money because I don’t want other people to be poorly like my grandma. “I can’t believe it. I’m really excited about going to Lapland to see Santa.”

Sam and his mum Claire were whisked off to Lapland the following day. He added: “Meeting Santa and the elves was the best part and I got chance to ask him for a bike for Christmas.

“I really enjoyed the husky and reindeer sleigh rides. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.”

Mrs Nutbrown said: “It was absolutely amazing, a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We both really enjoyed it. “It had snowed before we got there so it was exactly how you imagine it to be. I am so grateful to everyone who made it possible, he’s such a lucky boy. I am extremely proud of Sam, he’s an extremely big-hearted little boy.”

On December 18 Sam and his mum appeared on ITV’s Lorraine show to talk about his fundraising and their trip.

To make a donation, log onto www.justgiving.com/Claire-Nutbrown