British Airways has performed a modern-day Christmas miracle, sending a very deserving passenger and her family across the world in time to see her uncle's wedding.

What are the details?

This story from British Airways begins with terrible news: incurable brain cancer.

In 2016, Cheryl Lawley was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given only a slim chance of recovery. Following a 14-hour brain surgery operation, she awoke to find her uncle, Ben, had traveled all the way from Melbourne to help care for her three children (who are aged 16,10 and nine years old).

Helping her recover and return to normal life was a sacrifice Ben was willing to make, despite leaving his own life on pause back in Australia.

Upon returning home, Ben proposed to marry his partner of 14 years. What should have been a happy moment for him was clouded by the fact he knew that Cheryl would never be able to attend his wedding half a world away.

How did BA help?

British Airways runs a special charity called BA Magic, where they try to perform 'feats of magic' using their staff, contacts, and aircraft.

Such was the case in this scenario where the charity decided to roll out the red carpet and get Cheryl to the wedding in Melbourne, Australia!

British Airways got in touch with her and organized to fly Cheryl, her husband and three children from Heathrow to Melbourne on a 22-hour journey, just in time to make the wedding.

You can watch a video here:

How did they get there?

The press release says that they flew Club World onboard the British Airways Boeing 777. However, that only flies to Sydney, Australia via Singapore, and not to Melbourne. Likely they would have flown Club World to Singapore, then transferred to Qantas Business on their A380 or 787 to Melbourne.

I do not think they flew Club World all the way to Sydney, then transferred in Sydney to a domestic one hour flight on the tiny Qantas 737s, unless Qantas did not honor their business class transfer in Singapore. This would have made the journey far longer than 22-hours.

British Airways also threw in personal shopping and spa treatments at Heathrow airport, as well as a hotel in Melbourne.

British Airways, Baggage Carts, Automation
The total journey would have taken over 22-hours each way. Photo: British Airways

Cheryl said in the BA press release:

“When I wrote to BA Magic to ask for help in getting me to Australia so I could be there for my uncle on his important day as he was for mine, I didn’t expect such an unforgettable adventure. British Airways has helped create memories for us as a family that we will always cherish and be grateful for.”

Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said:

“Cheryl’s story touched our hearts, so we wanted to do everything possible to help surprise her uncle on his big day. Throughout 2019, to say thank you to our customers, we committed to 100 acts of kindness and this marks our 100th act. We are delighted we could end the year making this special trip unforgettable for such a deserving family.” 

Let's just hope that BA also threw in return flights for the family to get home for Christmas (Obviously, they did, but it wasn't actually mentioned!)

This flight marks 100 acts of kindness for the BA Magic charity since its inception in 2017.  They focus on creating unforgettable experiences and reuniting loved ones.

The BA Magic series can be viewed here.