Children in Crossfire’s Santa smashes through the £100,000 mark

Children in Crossfire’s Derry Santa, Martin Gallagher has announced that his 2024 appeal raised a record-breaking £12,154.32; bringing the total his wife Mary and he have raised since 2008 to £105,718.19.

Paying tribute to Martin and Mary, Children in Crossfire Chief Executive Richard Moore said: “Children in Crossfire are very lucky to call Martin and Mary Gallagher our friends. Their efforts to support us over many years, in loving memory of their son Christopher, have been nothing short of phenomenal. Now, after the most recent Santal Appeal, they have reached an incredible milestone of £105,718.19.

“The funds Martin and Mary raise empower Children in Crossfire to ensure deeply vulnerable children in Tanzania and Ethiopia receive lifesaving and life-shaping support. We are deeply grateful to have them as supporters and advocates and look forward to working with them again this year to make the 2025 Santa Appeal another terrific success.”

Martin Gallagher said: “Whether it is Derry locals or visitors to our city who call to see me at the Guildhall, I always encounter great warmth and kindness. I sincerely thank every person who helped us to raise an amazing £12,154.32 in our 2024 appeal, not least Jenni Doherty from Little Acorns bookstore and all the staff at the Guildhall. In addition, I am very grateful to everyone who helped us deliver our launch event – the PSNI, the team at Foyleside and the incredible Ardnashee Choir.

“I thoroughly enjoy playing the role of Santa each year for Children in Crossfire. It helps Mary and me to keep Christopher’s memory alive and it reminds us just how truly compassionate and caring people are. There is nothing quite like the wonder in a child’s eye when they sit down and speak to Santa.

“We have already begun planning this year’s activities and are working to introduce new fundraising elements that will allow even more public participation. We will be excited to share more details later in the year.”