Derian House honours man who has raised more than £130,000

Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley has thanked a man who has raised £132,338.72 for the charity over nine years.

Neil Hailwood has undertaken personal challenges, such as walking the 60 miles between Chorley and Blackpool, but is better known for his community events such as the Jingle All the Way Santa dash up Rivington Pike.

Last year’s event was the first following the Covid-19 pandemic and 600 Santas took part, raising more than £26,000 for Derian House. During the pandemic itself, Neil organised online events raising £3,000 with a virtual Play Your Cards Right party.

He said: "It all began when a friend of mine lost his son to cancer. I still find it difficult to talk about. It shocked me to think that this young person would never have the same chances that I have had in my life.

"When I learned more about Derian House and the incredible work it does I knew I wanted to do something to help. I promised myself that every year I would always put time aside to raise funds for those children who need it. I stopped spending my nights watching telly and started planning fundraising events."

Neil and his Jingle All the Way team were presented with a prize cheque at a celebration at Derian House and received a surprise visit from the Mayor of Chorley.

Mayor of Chorley, Councillor Steve Holgate, said: "I was so pleased to be able to thank Neil. The work people like Neil do is vital in supporting these important causes. He really is a pillar of our community."