Christmas fundraiser for Children in Crossfire to kick off with spectacular arrival

PICTURED ABOVE: The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, hosts a civic reception for Mary and Martin Gallagher (Santa & Mrs Claus) to launch their annual Santa Appeal for Children in Crossfire, in memory of their late son, Christopher. Included is Aishling Cunningham, Children in Crossfire. (Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography)

Derry’s very own Santa, Martin Gallagher, will return to the Guildhall on Saturday, November 22 to begin his annual fundraiser for Children in Crossfire.

For 18 years now, Martin and his wife Mary have been raising vital funds in memory of their beloved son Christopher, who tragically died of malaria in 2006, when he was only 23 years old.

Speaking as he dusted down his Santa suit for another year, Martin Gallagher said: “I get a great kick out of playing Santa each year on the sleigh at the Guildhall foyer. It’s a truly rewarding experience that means a great deal to me because I do it in Christopher’s memory. Mary and I miss him very deeply, but our fundraising for Children in Crossfire helps to keep his memory alive.

“Derry people are so generous every year, as are those who call to the Guildhall when visiting our city. It’s wonderful for me to talk to everyone about the vulnerable children they are helping to support in Tanzania and Ethiopia, and to see people’s warmth and goodwill day after day. I am looking forward to welcoming children and their parents from near and far to join me under the tree and share in the Christmas magic they bring.”

Having launched his 2024 fundraising campaign by abseiling down Foyleside Shopping Centre, Martin promised to go one better this year: “We will be having a very special launch of this year’s appeal on Saturday, November 22. I will be arriving at Ebrington Square in spectacular fashion at 12noon.

"My elves and I will then make our way by sleigh – designed and built by Shantallow Community Centre and Teamworks – across the Peace Bridge and over to Guildhall Square, where Long Tower Primary School’s choir will sing carols and Christmas songs. It will be a great hour or so to get Christmas started, so I encourage local families to come along and join in the festive fun.”

Children in Crossfire Chief Executive Richard Moore said: “Martin and Mary Gallagher have been terrific Children in Crossfire supporters for close to two decades now. Their passion for our cause reflects their love for Christopher, whose memory this annual fundraiser honours.

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"Our international programmes, in Ethiopia and Tanzania, have benefited hugely because of the support we receive from Mary and Martin and we are very grateful to them. To date, they have raised over £100,000 – with more to come this Christmas thanks to the deeply generous local public.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, said he was delighted to launch the campaign alongside Martin, and thanked him for his impressive fundraising efforts. He added: “Martin’s dedication to Children in Crossfire is truly remarkable. For nearly two decades, he and Mary have turned their own heartbreak into hope for thousands of children, and the impact of that compassion is incredible. Martin embodies the very best of our community; generosity, resilience and a deep desire to make a difference.”

“I want to sincerely thank him for everything he has achieved so far, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing this year’s festive campaign come to life. I’ve no doubt he will once again bring immense joy to families across the district while raising vital funds for an incredible cause.”

“Anyone interested in finding out more about our Santa Appeal should contact Aishling on 028 7127 8955 or at aishling.cunningham@childrenincrossfire.org. It’s also easy to make a donation at www.childrenincrossfire.org/santa-donate.”