Newtownabbey’s own ‘Legendary Santa’ taking on 12 Miles of Christmas for worthy local causes
Newtownabbey’s own ‘Legendary Santa’ will be taking on a 12-mile trek this Christmas season in support of several Northern Ireland charities.
Scott Wilson is aiming to raise £5,000 through his ‘Santa's Season of Goodwill’ campaign, of which the walk on November 23 is a key component.
It will see him leave Antrim Castle Gardens at 10am and head to Mossley Mill – a 12.5 mile journey, taking an estimated four hours 30 minutes on foot.
The money raised will benefit a number of worthy causes, including the Newtownabbey Community Toy Drive and Cash for Kids NI.
Explaining how his festive fundraising mission came about, Scott said: “I have been a professional Santa portrayal artist for about six years now, slowly building from a small operation to now being the number one choice for tree lighting events for Antrim and Newtownabbey and being the main Santa at Hillside Garden Centre.”
The local man’s Legendary Santa has in the past featured in advertising campaigns, including for Movie House Cinemas, for whom he appeared in a featurette geared towards children. “As a result of all this I felt it vital that I did whatever I could to help out vulnerable families initially,” he said. “The first year, I raised about £1000 which was split between 10 different families for gifts and so on. I then started trying to do more and have done shopping trips for the Food Bank and Community Toy Scheme.
“I feel it is Santa’s job to spread not just cheer but goodwill - not only for a day, but for the season.”
This year marks his fourth Season of Goodwill campaign. “Initially I planned on abseiling down the Europa despite my anxiety of those heights,” the local man added. “The downside was I was deemed too heavy to do this. I then decided I would do a 12 Miles Of Christmas journey from Antrim Castle Gardens to Mossley Mill. Truth be told I am dreading this as I will struggle, but if this journey helps me make a difference to people’s lives, then the pain is worth the outcome.”
Alongside Cash for Kids and the local Community Toy Scheme, Scott hopes to make a donation to Kilcreggan Homes Mid Ulster Sanctuary, which is maintained by adults with additional needs. “Santa also selects a handful of families that have endured hardships through the year, from children battling health issues, families struggling with homelessness or unemployment, or families that have suffered loss or any adversity that has impacted their regular lives,” he said.
If the £5000 target is hit, there will be a further donation of £1000 to NI Children's Hospice.
To donate towards Santa's Season of Goodwill campaign, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/santaseasonofgoodwill.
More information is also available at https://www.legendarysanta.co.uk/
Meanwhile, following the walk on November 23, Scott will be opening up his Rathcoole home to the public from 5-8pm in exchange for further donations to the campaign.
Visitors can come get photos with the light display, post their letter to Santa, and even come into Santa’s Secret Ski Lodge to meet Santa while he is off duty.