Edinburgh mum turns garden into Santa's Grotto so kids won't miss out this Christmas

A good samaritan created Santa’s Grotto last weekend in their West Pilton garden to ensure that no child misses out on meeting Santa this Christmas.

Sammie 'Snowman' Halliday, Kelly Dillon as the Grinch, Cerys and Demi Wilson as Santa's little helpers.

Kelly Dillon, 33, from Pilton was lying awake in bed one night traumatised by the thought of children missing out due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The mother of three, along with help from family and community stakeholders, built a Grotto that was beautifully decorated with festive spirit.

The team ran the Grotto from December 4-6 and invited members of the public to attend through various social media posts.

Emily and Ethan Japp with Santa (Tam Mapleback)

More than 100 children were welcomed to the Grotto and were asked to donate just £1 each to the Sick Kids Hospital in order to speak with Santa and receive a selection box.

Kelly said: “It is the best thing I have ever done outside of having my kids.

“It went absolutely fantastic and could not have asked for it to have been any better. Was overwhelming to hear all the kids so happy when the lights got turned on during the first night.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped organise and came down to the grotto.”

Santa's Grotto from afar

Santa was played by local resident Tam Mapleback. He was supported by Kelly’s children, Sophie Dillon,12, Alexis O’Neill 10 and Josh O’Neill 9, who all acted as Santa’s little helpers alongside friends.

Several of their friends and neighbours also helped run the night and pose in costume with the children.

But Kelly, who dressed as the Grinch, said that none of this would have been possible if it had not been for outside support.

Kelly said: “I’d like to thank my parents who were a huge help in organising. Also LIFT, B&Q, Morrisons, staff at the Norhet and all those in the community who chipped in to make this day a reality.”

Santa, along with his supporting cast, will spend the next week stopping by households of vulnerable families who were unable to make it down.

So far Kelly and friends have raised almost £300 for the Sick Kids in Edinburgh.

Pauline from LIFT, said: “We are so proud of Kelly. She has made loads of kids happy after such a rubbish year. It's the little things that make memories.”

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