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Children’s Cancer Unit Charity ride into town by reindeer

30 Nov 2016

Children receiving treatment at the Children’s Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children were greeted by Santa and some of his furry friends when they arrived at the Grotto at Belfast Christmas Market today. 

Five local children got to meet one of Santa’s most important helpers, Dixie, who will be pulling his sleigh on Christmas Eve. The visit was facilitated by the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity who are the hosts and beneficiaries of all funds raised at this year’s Santa’s Grotto at the Market. 

Felix Mooney, Chair of the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity said: “We are thrilled to be hosting Santa’s Grotto for the second year running at Belfast’s Christmas Market, and to have some of Santa’s reindeers take time out from their busy schedule to show these children around. This festive donation gives us the perfect opportunity to promote the work of both the charity and the Children’s Cancer Unit itself, as well raising vital funds to help provide the highest quality care for children with cancer in Northern Ireland.

“Last year we raised an overwhelming amount which went towards securing two newly built isolation rooms for the unit. We are really grateful to the team at Market Place for inviting us back, and we hope that every family that visits Santa with us will have an exciting and enjoyable experience.”

Allan Hartwell, Christmas Market Manager, welcomed the charity to the Market:

“We are always keen to support local charities and this year we are delighted to again welcome the Children’s Cancer to our festive village.  We’ve pulled out even more stops for Santa and his many helpers, and have commissioned a local designer to create a magical Narnia-themed winter wonderland grotto to enchant and delight all our young visitors.  It really will be a sight to behold! 

“The charity carries out vital work to provide care for children with cancer and blood disorders and we hope that even more people will come along to visit Santa at the Market and support the charity at the same time.  Since our very first grotto at the Market, the charities involved have raised tens of thousands of pounds, enabling them to continue with their great work. We’re delighted to keep playing our part and we are continually so impressed by what a unique Santa experience each charity creates.”

This year’s market has a special addition thanks to the Fairy Door Company who have designed a fairy trail throughout the market, leading to Santa’s Grotto. They also visited the Children’s Cancer Unit to present gifts to some of the children before they set up in the city centre. 

Niamh Sherwin Barry, Chief Storyteller from the Irish Fairy Door Company added:

“When we first came up with the idea of our little fairy doors, it was primarily to promote imagination and magic in children’s lives again. We felt, and still feel, very passionate about going back to grass roots and giving the child the tools to create their own magical world. It was when we started getting feedback from parents of sick children who needed that little extra bit of magic that we realised the potential power of having a magical friend living with you. It is very humbling for us to think that our little doors can make a difference out there with children and families who need it the very most. When we were invited to visit the Children’s Cancer Unit, we were delighted and honoured.”

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity Santa’s Grotto will be open every day for the duration of the Market with the elves and Santa working hard to generate much-needed funds for the children’s charity. For £10 children can meet Santa, receive a gift and have a professional photo taken to capture the moment.

Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston joined us when the children visited the Grotto. See what he thought here (1:30) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drk8gLvk-EM&t=175s

PRESS RELEASE IMAGE NO FEE Monday 28th November 2016 Picture by William Cherry / Press Eye Santa's Little Helpers: Children receiving treatment at the Children's Cancer Unit at the Royal were welcomed to the Children's Cancer Unit Charity Santa's Grotto at Belfast's Christmas Market by Dixie the reindeer. Pictured are Donncha Cushnan from Mayobridge, who will be 7 on Christmas Eve and Alara Basturk, age 8 from Belfast. ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity ride into town by reindeer 28 November 2016 Children receiving treatment at the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children were greeted by Santa and some of his furry friends when they arrived at the Grotto at Belfast Christmas Market today. Five local children got to meet one of SantaÕs most important helpers, Dixie, who will be pulling his sleigh on Christmas Eve. The visit was facilitated by the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity who are the hosts and beneficiaries of all funds raised at this yearÕs SantaÕs Grotto at the Market. Felix Mooney, Chair of the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity said: ÒWe are thrilled to be hosting SantaÕs Grotto for the second year running at BelfastÕs Christmas Market, and to have some of SantaÕs reindeers take time out from their busy schedule to show these children around. This festive donation gives us the perfect opportunity to promote the work of both the charity and the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit itself, as well raising vital funds to help provide the highest quality care for children with cancer in Northern Ireland. ÒLast year we raised an overwhelming amount which went towards securing two newly built isolation rooms for the unit. We are really grateful to the team at Market Place for inviting us back, and we hope that every family that visits Santa with us will have an exciting and enjoyable experience.Ó Allan Hartwell, Christmas Market Manager, welcomed the charity to the Market: ÒWe are always keen to support local charities and this year we are delighted to again welcome the ChildrenÕs Cancer to our festive village. WeÕve pulled out even more stops for Santa and his many helpers, and have commissioned a local designer to create a magical Narnia-themed winter wonderland grotto to enchant and delight all our young visitors. It really will be a sight to behold! ÒThe charity carries out vital work to provide care for children with cancer and blood disorders and we hope that even more people will come along to visit Santa at the Market and support the charity at the same time. Since our very first grotto at the Market, the charities involved have raised tens of thousands of pounds, enabling them to continue with their great work. WeÕre delighted to keep playing our part and we are continually so impressed by what a unique Santa experience each charity creates.Ó This yearÕs market has a special addition thanks to the Fairy Door Company who have designed a fairy trail throughout the market, leading to SantaÕs Grotto. They also visited the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit to present gifts to some of the children before they set up in the city centre. Niamh Sherwin Barry, Chief Storyteller from the Irish Fairy Door Company added: ÒWhen we first came up with the idea of our little fairy doors, it was primarily to promote imagination and magic in children's lives again. We felt, and still feel, very passionate about going back to grass roots and giving the child the tools to create their own magical world. It was when we started getting feedback from parents of sick children who needed that little extra bit of magic that we realised the potential power of having a magical friend living with you. It is very humbling for us to think that our little doors can make a difference out there with children and families who need it the very most. When we were invited to visit the Children's Cancer Unit, we were delighted and honoured.Ó The ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity SantaÕs Grotto will be open every day for the duration of the Market with the elves and Santa working hard to generate much-needed funds for the childrenÕs charity. For £10 children can meet Santa, receive a gift and have a professional photo taken to capture the moment. ENDS Contact: Anna McDonald 028 9026 7072 anna.mcdonald@mwadvocate.com


Santa’s Little Helpers: Pictured are Donncha Cushnan from Mayobridge, who will be 7 on Christmas Eve and Alara Basturk, age 8 from Belfast.

 

PRESS RELEASE IMAGE NO FEE Monday 28th November 2016 Picture by William Cherry / Press Eye Santa's Little Helpers: Children receiving treatment at the Children's Cancer Unit at the Royal were welcomed to the Children's Cancer Unit Charity Santa's Grotto at Belfast's Christmas Market by Dixie the reindeer. Pictured are Adel Alrasheed, age 7 and Zara Salme, aged 6. ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity ride into town by reindeer 28 November 2016 Children receiving treatment at the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children were greeted by Santa and some of his furry friends when they arrived at the Grotto at Belfast Christmas Market today. Five local children got to meet one of SantaÕs most important helpers, Dixie, who will be pulling his sleigh on Christmas Eve. The visit was facilitated by the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity who are the hosts and beneficiaries of all funds raised at this yearÕs SantaÕs Grotto at the Market. Felix Mooney, Chair of the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity said: ÒWe are thrilled to be hosting SantaÕs Grotto for the second year running at BelfastÕs Christmas Market, and to have some of SantaÕs reindeers take time out from their busy schedule to show these children around. This festive donation gives us the perfect opportunity to promote the work of both the charity and the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit itself, as well raising vital funds to help provide the highest quality care for children with cancer in Northern Ireland. ÒLast year we raised an overwhelming amount which went towards securing two newly built isolation rooms for the unit. We are really grateful to the team at Market Place for inviting us back, and we hope that every family that visits Santa with us will have an exciting and enjoyable experience.Ó Allan Hartwell, Christmas Market Manager, welcomed the charity to the Market: ÒWe are always keen to support local charities and this year we are delighted to again welcome the ChildrenÕs Cancer to our festive village. WeÕve pulled out even more stops for Santa and his many helpers, and have commissioned a local designer to create a magical Narnia-themed winter wonderland grotto to enchant and delight all our young visitors. It really will be a sight to behold! ÒThe charity carries out vital work to provide care for children with cancer and blood disorders and we hope that even more people will come along to visit Santa at the Market and support the charity at the same time. Since our very first grotto at the Market, the charities involved have raised tens of thousands of pounds, enabling them to continue with their great work. WeÕre delighted to keep playing our part and we are continually so impressed by what a unique Santa experience each charity creates.Ó This yearÕs market has a special addition thanks to the Fairy Door Company who have designed a fairy trail throughout the market, leading to SantaÕs Grotto. They also visited the ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit to present gifts to some of the children before they set up in the city centre. Niamh Sherwin Barry, Chief Storyteller from the Irish Fairy Door Company added: ÒWhen we first came up with the idea of our little fairy doors, it was primarily to promote imagination and magic in children's lives again. We felt, and still feel, very passionate about going back to grass roots and giving the child the tools to create their own magical world. It was when we started getting feedback from parents of sick children who needed that little extra bit of magic that we realised the potential power of having a magical friend living with you. It is very humbling for us to think that our little doors can make a difference out there with children and families who need it the very most. When we were invited to visit the Children's Cancer Unit, we were delighted and honoured.Ó The ChildrenÕs Cancer Unit Charity SantaÕs Grotto will be open every day for the duration of the Market with the elves and Santa working hard to generate much-needed funds for the childrenÕs charity. For £10 children can meet Santa, receive a gift and have a professional photo taken to capture the moment. ENDS Contact: Anna McDonald 028 9026 7072 anna.mcdonald@mwadvocate.com


Santa’s Little Helpers: Pictured are Adel Alrasheed, age 7 and Zara Salme, aged 6.

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