Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice is preparing to welcome families from across Kirklees and Calderdale to its annual Christmas Fayre later this month, with organisers promising a warm, community-focused celebration while raising funds for the charity’s specialist care services.
The event, taking place on Sunday 30 November at Russell House in Huddersfield, will run from 12pm to 3pm and features festive stalls, live music, children’s activities and a visit from Santa. Entry costs £2 per adult, with children able to attend for free.
This year’s Fayre includes a new addition. For the first time, Forget Me Not will sell real, locally grown Christmas trees directly from the hospice site. Around 200 trees, between four and eight feet tall, have been donated to the charity and will be available for visitors to buy on the day, with netting provided for easy transport. Families will also be able to book their post-Christmas tree collection at the same time, tying in with the hospice’s long-running recycling scheme.
Jessica Collins, Events Fundraiser at Forget Me Not, said the Fayre plays an important role in supporting the charity’s work throughout the year.
Image: Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice
“We can’t wait to welcome people to this year’s Christmas Fayre,” she said. “There’ll be plenty of opportunities to find gifts, enjoy some food, join creative activities and meet Santa. The donated Christmas trees mean every penny goes towards helping local children and families who rely on our services.”
The charity provides specialist nursing, respite, therapy and end-of-life care for babies and children with life-shortening conditions, supporting families emotionally and practically from pregnancy onwards. Forget Me Not must raise more than 80% of its annual £6.5m running costs through public fundraising, retail income and donations.
Local artist Roger Davies will join the event to run a colouring club based on his distinctive West Yorkshire-themed artwork. Davies, who lives in Brighouse, said he was pleased to support the hospice.
“I’m delighted to be involved,” he said. “I love using my artwork to raise money for local causes, and I’m looking forward to meeting supporters on the day.”
Alongside the creative sessions and gift stalls, visitors can expect a brass band, choir performances, hot food, cakes and family-friendly activities around the gardens.
The Fayre will take place at: Russell House, Fell Greave Road, Huddersfield HD2 1NH, Sunday 30 November, 12pm–3pm.
