Guest Blog by Marc Foreman Southport Hesketh Round Table
After a night filled with emotion, pride and inspiration at the Grand Pride of Sefton Awards, Southport Hesketh Round Table would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for us and to the incredible organisers who made the evening possible.
We were honoured and deeply moved to stand alongside so many inspiring finalists and winners. Every story shared that evening was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and compassion that lives within Sefton and beyond.
Our place at the awards was in recognition of the charity work we’ve carried out over the past year, from our much-loved Southport Santa Float to our Pudsey Bear in Schools visits, and most poignantly, for the role we played following the heart-breaking tragedy in Southport back in July 2024.
In the days that followed that horrific event, our team worked quickly and quietly behind the scenes to launch a fundraiser to support all of the families of the children who were there that day.
To date, we are the only charity to raise funds for every single family affected, and together with the support of kind-hearted people across the country we have raised over £200,000.
But we’re not stopping there.
We have so much more planned for 2025. Our mission is to continue rebuilding hope, supporting our young people and families, and spreading joy across Southport. And right now, we need your help with something truly close to our hearts.
Can you help build a new Santa Sleigh?
Every December, for three magical weeks, the Southport Hesketh Round Table Santa Float brings Christmas cheer to thousands of smiling children and families as we travel the streets of Southport. It’s one of the most cherished community traditions, a moment of magic, laughter and light in a world that sometimes feels dark.
But sadly, our float – which is currently built on a makeshift trailer that must be assembled and dismantled each year – is beginning to show its age. And our faithful reindeer? They’ve been with us for over 15 years and are in urgent need of a well-earned retirement.
We are now seeking a sponsor, donor or kind-hearted manufacturer to help us design and build a new, purpose-built Santa Sleigh that will last the next generation of Santa-lovers, young and old. Something safer, sturdier, and even more magical for our community. A sleigh fit not just for Christmas, but for healing, hope and happiness.
This isn’t just about a float. It’s about what it represents. After everything our town has been through, we want to give Southport something joyful to look forward to. Something that brings us together, raises spirits, and reminds us of the goodness that still surrounds us.
A Call to the Country: Help Us Rebuild, Help Us Believe
We are asking local businesses, national companies, and kind individuals. Anyone who believes in the power of community and the magic of Christmas, to help us bring this dream to life. Your support could help us build a sleigh that spreads smiles for the next 15 years and beyond.
If you can help us with sponsorship, materials, design, manufacture or fundraising, please get in touch. Your generosity won’t just build a sleigh. It will help build Southport’s future.
Some may not believe in Father Christmas. But they can believe in us. Because we’ll make sure Santa delivers the magic, the memories, and the smiles year after year.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
- For more details please email: southporthesketh@rountable.org.uk
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