01 February 2010

Santa's Triple Boost for Prospect funds

Father Christmas’s generosity is the stuff of legends for the young and young-at-heart across the world. What is perhaps less known is the dedicated support he gave Prospect Hospice in the weeks before Christmas, and even into 2010.

In Swindon, all children know that, throughout December, Santa can be found at Gypsy Lane, the home of the Flatt family (John, Jayne and son Robert). For several years his astonishing fundraising efforts there have been enjoyed every night up to Christmas Eve, and in December 2009 Santa raised a staggering £5800 for Prospect Hospice – his best-ever fundraising sum at Gypsy Lane, and taking the total sum of the money he’s raised there more than £31,000. It’s no wonder the Flatts, who selflessly welcome Santa to their home each year, received a Pride of Swindon award in 2009.

Yet Father Christmas wasn’t just busy in the evening either. In the weekends running up to the big day, and especially during the week before, he could be found greeting children at his grotto in Blooms Garden Centre near Wroughton, where his efforts raised more than £3000 for Prospect. Our thanks go to the volunteers who supported Santa’s efforts at Blooms last year.

Perhaps it’s even more surprising that, just when you might’ve thought Santa would be putting his feet up in the new year, he could be found knitting stockings in window of the Prospect shop in Pewsey, in readiness for Christmas 2010 with his Santathon. “Santa did very well in Pewsey,” says his spokesman Andrew Whitney, “and he raised £2158 for Prospect Hospice!”

The thanks of all staff, volunteers, patients and families go out to Santa for his wonderful fundraising for Prospect across our community at Christmas. You’ve made a real difference not only for the children of our community, but also for those we care for, and we all hope you’ll be back for Christmas 2010.