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Scunthorpe family struck by cancer build grotto in their garden in bid to ‘give back’ to the community

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
The inside of the grotto has a cosy and festive feel

“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?’.



Anyone is welcome to visit

“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

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