‘Trip of a lifetime’

The Coleraine store selected the Northern Ireland Children to Lapland Trust as their charity for the year, and Hazel Gallagher and Russell Cooper were lucky enough to join 100 local children, many who are terminally ill, on their trip of a lifetime.

Customers and staff of the Coleraine store raised almost £6,000 for the local charity which offers terminally ill children and their families a trip of a lifetime to meet Santa Claus in Lapland.

Hazel, the charity co-ordinator of Sainsbury’s told The Times: “The experience for these children was so magical with glittering snow falling and elves around to help at all times.

“The children, from all areas of Northern Ireland were truly amazing.

“They were each given a gift, donated by Castlerock Wednesday Club, Castlerock Beavers and Sainbury’s in Coleraine.

“After a long day and all the magic of Santa and Lapland we returned home with tired, excited, happy children.

“This trip was truly amazing.”

Hazel paid tribute to those behind the trip and added: “it couldn’t happen without the support of the public.”

Hazel thanked the following local people: McGill Motors who provided transport for some of the children, Jean Caulfield, Castlerock Wednesday Club, Castlerock Beavers , staff and customers of Sainsbury’s in Coleraine for all their hard work in raising nearly £6,000.