Sarah, Brian and their family had a very busy Christmas season fundraising for Against Breast Cancer. They ran stalls at popular events such as local light switch-ons and Christmas fairs. They also brought Santa’s Grotto to local schools, events and shopping centres and organised Santa home visits for local children.
Sarah and Brian started their fundraising journey many years ago when Sarah’s mum Caroline was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The aim was to raise £5000 by Caroline’s next birthday. It started off with Tombola games at local events and soon grew to include many funfair games such as Hook a Bag, Spin the Wheel and their famous Striker, which is now a regular appearance at events in their local area. The total was soon surpassed, and they have now raised over £110,110 for Against Breast Cancer over the years.
“The Striker” is a test-your-strength game. You must hit a lever with a rubber mallet hard enough to ring the bell. It was popular at Allesley Primary School Fete, Dickens Night in Atherstone and Croft School Fete. There was also a Christmas tombola stall at Burbage Light Switch On, a “Pick a Sweet” game at Market Bosworth Light Switch On and a “Pick a Duck” game at Croft School Fete. One thing that makes Sarah and Brian’s games stand out is the fact that they are always “Prize Every Time”. Basically, everyone who participates wins a prize.
Nuneaton Santa and his elves
Brian is a fantastic Santa’s helper and this year made lots of appearances in Santa’s Grottos across the West Midlands, with Sarah and their daughter Hannah becoming his trusty elves Trixie and Jingles. A visit to Santa costs £5, with children receiving a quality-wrapped toy, and all profits go to Against Breast Cancer.
He appeared in grottos at across the Nuneaton, Bedworth and Hinckley area. Sarah and Brian would like to give a special mention to the organisers of Hinkley Light Switch On. Brian was their official Santa’s Helper for many years, often one of their biggest nights of the year.
Brian and Hannah also made an appearance as Santa and Jingles at the Christmas lights car trail in Hinckley town centre. Raising funds and awareness for Against Breast Cancer whilst bringing Christmas cheer to the older members of the community. They brought gifts for the elderly passengers, posed for photographs and even got to meet the Mayor of Hinkley.
Nuneaton Santa Visits
One of their biggest hits this year was their Santa Home Visits. Families across Nuneaton and Bedworth were treated to a very special festive surprise as Santa Claus and his elf made personal home visits to children across the area.
Over the course of three busy days, Santa visited many homes, bringing Christmas magic directly to their doorsteps. Children were delighted to meet Santa, and his elf. Visits were filled with festive songs, silly jokes, Christmas joy and of course presents! One parent review read “Santa and Jingles the Elf visited our house last week, and the kids were blown away by them both. It was a magical evening and would highly recommend”.
To advertise their Christmas Grottos and Santa Visits, a brand new Facebook page was set up called Nuneaton Santa, managed by their daughter Hannah. On the page, we saw Santa telling jokes, visiting Aldi for mince pies, ordering fish and chips from Pete’s Chippy and even getting arrested by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Police for “speeding on the sleigh”.
A notable appearance on the page was a series of comedy game challenges between Santa and the local celebrity Nuneaton Grinch (who fundraises for charities in the area). The family would like to thank him and everyone else who helped promote the Nuneaton Santa page.
A well-earned rest
Now entering a quieter period, the family is taking some well-earned rest after their busy festive season. However, their fundraising efforts will soon begin again with the start of the spring and summer events season. Sarah, Brian and their family are excited to continue raising money for Against Breast Cancer. They dedicate their efforts to Sarah’s mum Caroline, who sadly passed away in 2021 but remains forever in their hearts.
If you’d like to follow their journey, you can follow their new Facebook page set up for 2026.
We would like to say a massive thank you to Sarah, Brian, and all the family for your continuing support, dedication and for the amazing fundraising you do for Against Breast Cancer.
Are you feeling inspired? Download a fundraising pack today.