Santa Claus is coming for charity

The couple decided to use the festive season to raise money for Clic Sargent, in memory of Michael’s brother Gareth, who sadly passed away at just twenty years of age.

Michael built a sleigh, which he and Michelle, who is known locally as a former Miss Oyster Peal, will be taking to various Lidl stores across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Bangor, Newtownards, Banbridge, and, of course, Lisburn.

“It nearly tore our family apart when Gareth passed away on November 3, 2013,” said Michael. “A bit of everyone went with him.

“Clic Sargent were there from day one. On September 17, 2012 they gifted him £250 for a number of different expenses he would incur. “He didn’t want to take it but Clic Sargent’s attitude was that he had to take it because that is what they do.

“Clic Sargent also helped by buying him a gaming latop so that it was only keys he had to use.”

Michael and Michelle wanted to thank the charity for their support and are hoping local people will join them in raising money.

“We are doing this to raise as much money as possible for Clic Sargent,” continued Michael. “Clic Sargent supported not only Gareth but also my family through a very difficult time so we are doing this in Gareth’s memory.”

The Sleigh, together with Santa and his helpers, and, weather permitting, bouncy castles, will be at Lidl in Lisburn on Thursday December 1 from 4-8pm and on Sunday December 4 from 2-6pm.