Reaching Santa's big target in memory of Christy

Christoper Gallagher’s death came as a shock to his entire family circle and a wide circle of friends. However his father, Martin, says they have been determined ever since that his son’s death would not be in vain. With that in mind they are organising another huge effort this year.

“Tragic as it was for the family we felt that if one child’s life could be saved then Christopher’s passing would not be in vain. From 2006 to the present day this has become a reality and with the help of one of Christopher’s friends Diarmuid, we have been put in touch Children in Crossfire,” said Martin.

Since then Martin and Mary Gallagher, Christopher’s parents, have continued in their strong campaign to keep their sons memory alive by fundraising to help young children through the charity. The annual Santa fundraiser has been running since 2010 during the bitter cold winter when the Gallaghers stood dressed as Mr and Mrs Clause outside the Guildhall at the time it was been renovated, beginning with the Malaria Santa. With time moving on, Santa has progressed and moved from the cold outside to the warm entrance inside the front of the Guildhall. The name has also changed from Malaria Santa to Santa’s Big Fundraiser Appeal.

Santa began his fundraising at the Guildhall on November 17.

However if Santa is to succeed in reaching his target of £10,000 this year the Gallaghers say he needs a lot of help.

Santa is holding a special day called ‘Super Fundraiser’ from 10am until 4pm on December 22.

To take part in the ‘Super Fundraiser’ Santa would like more than 1,000 ‘little helpers’ in shops, schools, emergency services, cafes, restaurants, banks, factories, bars, supermarkets and the community to raise £10+per helper (minimum), bring along the money raised on the day and assemble in the Guildhall Square wearing a Santa hat or an elf hat for 1pm. They will then be invited by Santa to donate the money into the bin.

People can also donate to the charity by sponsoring Santa’s fundraiser by texting SBFA68 to 70070 or by cheque/postal order made out to Children in Crossfire or donate to the Big Red Bin inside the entrance to the front of the Guildhall.