The flight was inspired by a cancer sufferer who wanted to highlight the needs of other young people with the disease.

Thomas Green, 20, from Guernsey, who had his first brain tumour aged 17, wrote to Virgin boss Richard Branson with the idea, in the hope that he could help organise this Christmas with a difference.

"This isn't just my flight from cancer. It's part of a journey for all young people with cancer, a journey we can share and encourage each other on," said Thomas.

Virgin Atlantic agreed to supply a Boeing 747 and crew for 50 teenagers and their families.

Boost

It takes off from Gatwick at 1130GMT although celebrations begin earlier with entertainers, singers and even Santa Claus himself joining in.

During the four-hour flight, festivities will continue accompanied by a traditional Christmas lunch.

Britains best known businessman organised the flight

"It is also a journey for our families, to boost them, and for the wider public to recognise our special adolescent needs and to highlight the work done on our behalf by the Teenage Cancer Trust," Thomas added.

The event, called Tom's Flight from Cancer, was organised in conjunction with the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity which recognises the specific needs of teenage cancer sufferers.

The trust exists to establish special units in major hospitals for young people with cancer, leukaemia and related diseases.

Dr Adrian Whiteson, chairman of the trust, said that for teenagers who suffer cancer the sensitive process of growing up is made even harder.