Christmas market at Wicksteed Park aims to raise thousands for charity in memory of local runner

Thousands of people are expected to attend a Christmas Craft and Gift Market organised to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and The Air Ambulance Service.

The event, at Wicksteed Park, this Saturday and Sunday, is the brainchild of Miranda Hetzel, her family and the team at Ivy Cottage Events.

Her husband Andy Simms suffered a heart attack whilst taking part in a parkrun at the park in 2018 and died seven weeks later.

Miranda and her family have used the annual event to raise £22,000 for the British Heart Foundation and The Air Ambulance Service in Andy’s memory.

Miranda also invites up to eight other local charities to set up tables for free at the event, so they can raise money for their good causes too.

More than 75 stalls selling Christmas crafts, gifts and artisan food will be on offer in the park’s Pavilion from 10:30am – 5pm on Saturday November 16 and 10:30am – 4pm on Sunday November 17.

Wicksteed Park’s Sway Rider and Carousel will be operating between 11am and 4pm on both days, with tickets available from Wicky Bear’s Gift Shop.

Normal Wicksteed car park charges apply.

Miranda said: “What started off as a one-off event in memory of my late husband seems to have become an annual one and has grown into something which is now supporting lots of local charities and local businesses.

“I remarried recently and my new husband and some of his children now help with the event too. We encourage people to shop local whilst also raising funds for charity.”

Entry to the event is £3 per adult, with children free, to be paid on the door and 50 per cent of all door proceeds are donated to charity.

For further information contact ivycottagegifts@gmail.com