Rochdale mum wins once in a lifetime Grinch-themed Christmas

Scroll down for Video

A lucky mum-of-two from Rochdale has been celebrating a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ ‘Grinchmas’ – a Grinch-themed Christmas for herself and her two little boys (aged six and 10).

Science teacher Emma Gallagher, 27, entered a competition with LateRooms.com in partnership with Universal Pictures’ The Grinch family Christmas movie to offer one lucky winner the ultimate Grinchy festive break. 

The spectacular prize included the chance to stay in a luxury hotel room magically transformed into the Mount Crumpet lair.

Emma, who beat 10,000 other entries, was able to bring her partner John, 29, and their two sons, James, aged 10 and Dale, aged six.

The excited family’s magical Christmas getaway included an overnight stay in a one-time only ‘Grinch suite’ at the 4* The Strand Palace, in the heart of London’s West End last weekend.

Thanks to a makeover crew of Grinch elves, who worked around the clock the day before their arrival, the hotel suite was transformed and decorated in authentic Whoville style, with a sleigh bed, snow covered floors, candy cane lighting, and even snowflakes falling from the ceiling.

There were also lots of extra surprises for Emma and her family too. At the base of a sparkling Christmas tree, were some very special presents from the mean one himself - who knew he could be so nice!

 As part of the experience, the family were thrilled to also get VIP tickets to a skating experience at the Natural History Museum. And they travelled in style, as they took off across London in a stunning horse drawn carriage taking in some of the breath-taking light displays along the way. 

Afterwards, Emma and her family headed back to their Grinch suite and snuggled up for the night in matching Grinch PJs to enjoy room service with a special bespoke Grinch menu.

The next morning the family enjoyed breakfast before heading to the cinema to see The Grinch.

Emma said: “This has been the best Christmas ever for us all. It’s been a tough year for us but this has been a huge treat. We really got the ‘green carpet’ treatment. Our boys are absolutely crazy about The Grinch and we all had to pinch ourselves when we entered the room. It was simply breath-taking. All the incredible details and authentic touches were incredible – we didn’t want to leave.”

She added: “Heading off on the horse drawn carriage and seeing the Christmas lights in London and then ice-skating was just incredible. I always say I never win anything and then this happens. It’s the best ending to our year as a family.”

Katherine Scott, marketing director at LateRooms.com said: “It has been such a pleasure to partner with Universal Pictures on this competition.

“Coming together to give Emma and her lovely family the Grinch experience of a lifetime has really created so much positivity.”