Visitors flock to annual Kirkwood Hospice Christmas Experience

Christmas came early as visitors flocked to Kirkwood Hospice's Christmas Experience at the National Coal Mining Museum over the weekend.

Over a thousand people took the opportunity to start their festive shopping early and enjoy entertainment from local school choirs and brass bands.

Shoppers were able to pick up festive bargains, whilst a special train transported families to Santa's Grotto.

It was the first time that the Hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses in Kirklees, has held the event at the former colliery near Grange Moor. Stalls selling everything from handmade Christmas wreaths to artisan cupcakes tempted eager shoppers to part with their hard earned cash.

After a busy first day, the crowds swelled on Sunday, with families taking advantage of the improved weather.

Families were invited to hop aboard the Santa Express which whisked wide-eyed boys and girls off to meet Santa Claus himself in his sparklingly festive grotto.

The annual fundraising event helps to raise thousands of pounds for Kirkwood Hospice. It was also an opportunity for the Kirkwood team to meet people from across the community and to dispel some of the myths about Hospice care.

The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of lots of volunteers, who turned up in numbers throughout the weekend to support the charity.

Dee Cobbett has been running a stall at the Hospice's Christmas Fairs for more years than she can remember and started fundraising for the Hospice before it first opened.

Dee said: "We enjoy coming along every year and raising as much money as we can for Kirkwood. We run a tombola stall each year and we've done really well this time!"

Kirkwood Hospice fundraiser, Lyndsey Richardson, was delighted by the number of people who visited the event over the two days.

She said: "Our Christmas events are always well attended and this year was no exception. It's lovely to see so many people coming along to shop for that perfect stocking filler and enjoy the entertainment.

"A big thank you goes to all our volunteers and stall holders and the venue for hosting us. It's the perfect start to the festive period."

The Hospice would like to thank event sponsors Grange Moor Coachworks. Thanks also to Arrow Self Drive, The National Coal Mining Museum for England, Kirkwood Hospice's many volunteers and Support Groups, Cocklebread, Grange Moor Brass Band, Lindley Brass Band, everyone who baked for us and to KD Decoratives and Longwood Mechanics Hall for helping us to decorate Santa's Grotto!

Special thanks go to Anthony, Jaine, Lisa and the Asparagus Green Catering team for their tireless efforts.

Kirkwood Hospice hold a number of events in the run up to Christmas. If you would like to find out more, click here.

The Kirkwood Hospice Christmas Experience was kindly supported by: Grange Moor Coachworks