As its centenary year draws to a close, British Airways has waved its magic wand for the 100th time to take a very deserving customer on the trip of a lifetime to Australia to surprise her uncle on his wedding day.

Cheryl Lawley, 36-year-old from Nuneaton, contacted the airline in early 2019 to share her story. In 2016 Cheryl was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer and after undergoing a 14-hour operation, Cheryl woke to unexpectedly find her uncle, Ben, by her bedside. Ben had travelled from his home in Melbourne, Australia, to nurse Cheryl and help care for her three children, aged 16, 10 and 9.

After returning to Melbourne, Ben announced that he was engaged to marry his partner of 14 years, Andrew, but given Cheryl’s circumstances she would be unable to attend. British Airways organised for Cheryl, her partner Adrian and children Mia, Ashdon and Carson to fly to Melbourne, with lots of surprises and adventure along the way.

100 acts of kindness.

Departing from Heathrow Terminal 5, Cheryl was given the VIP treatment with a Heathrow personal shopping experience and Elemis spa treatments in preparation for the wedding, before the family embarked on their 22-hour journey to Australia in the comfort of British Airways’ business cabin, Club World.

Carolina Martinoli, director of brand and customer experience at British Airways said: “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.”