Southport Hesketh Round Table volunteers say they have been overwhelmed by the extraordinary support shown over the past six months.
The popular charity is renowned locally for bringing smiles to the community through beloved initiatives such as BBC1’s Children in Need ‘Pudsey Bear in Schools,’ the Mad Dog 10K, and the iconic Southport Santa Float with its famous Dancing Santa.
Since the Southport tragedy on 29th July last year, in which three young girls were murdered and several other children and adults were injured, Southport Hesketh Round Table has been raising money for the families impacted by the attack.
In the wake of such sorrow, the Round Table was determined to make this year’s Southport Santa Float extra special, bringing much-needed joy and hope to the community.
The Santa Float journey began as one of the standout moments of the Southport Charity Parade and continued its mission through the town, battling harsh weather conditions of rain, wind, and ice to spread festive cheer.
While one route on Grange Road had to be cancelled due to the most adverse weather the team has ever encountered, the float successfully completed 14 other routes, lighting up the faces of residents young and old.
Thanks to the generosity of Southport’s residents, the Southport Hesketh Round Table raised an incredible £7,000.
These funds will go directly to supporting local charities that were part of the event and other causes close to the heart of the organisation.
Each night a local charity assisted on the float including the YCP, West End Players, Churchtown Bowling club, Homestart and the 19th Cub Scout group.
Chris Martin, SHRT Chairman, said:
“We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone that helped on the evenings, as well as Chris and Sue Shaw, Massams, Barlow’s Trailers, Formby Car electrical and The Southport Flower Show.”
However, the charity’s impact didn’t stop there. Marc Foreman, a passionate Honorary member of the Southport Hesketh Round Table, has been actively sharing the charity’s mission and achievements through interviews with prominent media outlets, including Channel 4, ITV, Sky News, and GB News.
It was during the GB News interview that the organisation’s GoFundMe page gained national attention.
Overnight, donations skyrocketed from £69,000 to an astounding £180,000. These funds will support the 24 families directly affected by the tragic events of July.
Marc Foreman shared his thoughts:
“As a charity, it is our duty to support our town, our communities, and, most importantly, the families affected by what happened. We are humbled by the kindness and generosity shown to Southport during this challenging time.
“This past year has strengthened our resolve to do even more for those in need.”
Looking ahead, Southport Hesketh Round Table has plans to expand its membership, enhance its support for the community, and organise new events to continue helping those in need. Further details about upcoming initiatives will be shared soon, so stay tuned!
The Southport Hesketh Round Table extends its heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Southport and everyone who has donated, supported, or volunteered over the past months.
Want to do more?
Whether you’d like to volunteer, assist with future events, or become a member of the Southport Hesketh Round Table, they’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch via email at southporthesketh@roundtable.org.uk or visit their Facebook page, Southport Hesketh Round Table 1199.
Together, we can continue to make a difference.
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