Parents come together donning Christmas costumes to raise money in memory of beloved wife
A school's worth of parents have come together by donning a cracking collection Christmas costumes to raise money for charity - in memory of a lost loved one.
The event, arranged by Niall O'Connor, a 44-year-old father-of-three from Codsall, saw parents don festive fancy dress in the 12 days leading up to the kids at St Nicholas CE first school breaking up for Christmas.
The aim is to raise money for three special causes in memory of Neil's beloved wife, Kirsty, who passed away suddenly in 2022, and this year the money raised will be going to the Infant Cardiac ward at Birmingham Children's Hospital, The British Heart Foundation and St Nicholas First School PTFA.
The special event is running up until December 19, and parents were out in force when we visited last week, December 5, which now has an impressive fundraising total of just under £500 so far - but with just under a week of the shenanigans left, that total will surely grow.
Niall said the event has a special place with him, the parents, teachers and children at the school and in Codsall, because it keeps smiles on faces and is something to get excited about during the frosty December mornings - and all for a good cause.
He said: "I started doing it three years ago after my wife passed away in 2022, she passed away suddenly when we were at a wedding in Ireland.
"We initially raised money for the British Heart Foundation, which was close to my family and my heart, but over the years we have added charities in to help as many people as we can.
"Every morning is so much fun seeing the happy kids, the parents and teachers all getting involved, it really makes a difference to our mood each morning, and that's what Christmas is about."
Niall went on to say that without the 'incredible' support of the parents and the school, the event would not be possible, and thanked them for the continued support of the annual countdown - which is clearly one that the kids look forward to every year.
Niall said: "I've got six costumes left, including two varieties of Mrs Clause, one with a miniskirt, which I'll obviously wear tights with if I opt for it, I'm not trying to terrify everyone."
If you want to get involved, or can spare a few coins for the cause, click here.
