Sam Doherty launches Santa's grotto

Becky Allet, Matron at the Rochdale Moorland Children’s Home, Father Christmas and Sam Doherty

Santa’s grotto was officially launched at Rochdale Exchange, by the shopping centre’s Director of Fun, nine-year-old Sam Doherty.

Families visiting the grotto will help raise funds for the Rochdale Moorland Children’s Home, which provides activity breaks for children from difficult backgrounds.

Meanwood Primary School pupil Sam cut the ribbon to officially welcome Father Christmas to his temporary home for 2015.

He said: “Getting to officially open Santa’s grotto was amazing.

“I wrote my list out specially and gave it to him but I can’t tell you what’s on it because that has to stay secret.

“Only Father Christmas, and my mum, get to know that.”

Meeting Santa Claus has been the highlight of the year so far for Sam, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome aged six, said his mum Jayne Doherty.

Jayne said: “It’s lovely that it’s all raising money for the children’s home too. As a social worker I know only too well how hard it can be for some children.”

Also in attendance at the grotto launch on Saturday was Becky Allet, Matron at the Rochdale Moorland Children’s Home which will receive all the money raised from the grotto.

She said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Rochdale Exchange for their kind support and for choosing the Moorland Home as their nominated charity.”

Lorenzo O'Reilly, centre manager at Rochdale Exchange, said: “We are committed to helping the Rochdale Children's Moorland Home as much as we can this year and I hope the Christmas grotto will raise a good amount for us to donate to them.”

The Rochdale Children's Moorland Home provides respite and holidays for youngsters from tough backgrounds.

It has been operating for more than 120 years, since its location, Nab Farm in Wardle, was donated and it now provides short breaks in a healthy environment for up to 300 disadvantaged children each year.

The centre has large outdoor play areas, lounge, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms and a new play barn. The home gives children who have often had a tough start in life a chance to relax, enjoy the outdoors and build their self-confidence with activities, challenges, outings and fun events.