A Scunthorpe family who have “never had a break” after losing multiple loved ones to cancer in the space of just four years have built their very own Santa’s Grotto in a bid to bring positivity and give back to the community this Christmas.
Situated at 9 Whitman Road in Westcliff, the grotto was built by Katie and Wayne Hare, along with Katie’s sister-in-law Melanie Davis and her husband Gary, and their friend Terry.
Decorated extensively inside to make it feel as though you’re stepping straight into a Winter Wonderland, the grotto will welcome Santa Claus himself along with Mrs Claus and other festive characters from 6pm tonight (Friday, December 22).
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All families from the community are invited to visit the grotto, where they can enjoy food, music and a fun festive atmosphere. Children will be given a gift and letter from Santa, and will also be able to meet The Grinch, Scrooge, elves and reindeers.
Speaking to Scunthorpe Live, Melanie said: “There’s hardship in the area at the moment and some children won’t get to meet Santa, so as a family we wanted to show the community that it doesn’t always have to be difficult and that we can be there to support one another.
![The inside of the grotto has a cosy and festive feel](https://i2-prod.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article8994100.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/411279764_1785572698585480_6422166563777253887_n.jpg)
(Image: Submitted)
“In the space of four years we’ve lost seven or eight people in the family to cancer, and we’ve had a really rough time. We’ve never had a break.
“The family fell apart. But we learned that life goes on and this year we thought, ‘What can we do to make things better?’.
![](https://i2-prod.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article8994103.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/377307165_1556624635089046_5892547713186819223_n.jpg)
(Image: Submitted)
“When we were thinking of ideas I just sat there and said, ‘do you know what, we’ll build something for the community. Christmas is coming up, why don’t we build a grotto?’.”
As a gesture of goodwill to the local community, the family used their own funds to purchase the wood used to build the grotto, which took a total of four days. They have also bought food and refreshments, as well as gifts for Santa to hand out to children.
Families are invited to the grotto at 9 Whitman Road, Scunthorpe from 6pm on Friday evening.
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe