KIDDERMINSTER'S favourite social media personality Kiddy Lad has won a Lockdown Heroes award for his efforts organising a Santa sleigh tour to bring some festive joy to families during the pandemic.
Adam Woodhouse, the man behind the comedy character, ordered a £90 Santa's suit from Amazon and took to the streets of Kidderminster and Stourport in his homemade sleigh every night for a week to ensure local children could see Father Christmas.
The Christmas tour was supported by local businesses, who donated materials, sweets, a PA system, generator and a car to pull the sleigh, and by members of the Kiddy Lad team, including Laura Hood who dressed up as the Grinch.
The sleigh tour saw thousands of people line the streets each night to catch a glimpse of Santa and raised £9,640 for mental health charity MIND.
Nominating Adam for our Lockdown Heroes award with Wyre Forest Rotary, Megg Foxall said: "He dressed up as Santa, built a sleigh and got people together going around different towns and areas in Kidderminster to see loads of children, taking photos and keeping the Christmas spirit going in hard times."
Jessica Allman-Jones, who also nominated Adam, said: "For absolutely no reason but to spread happiness, Kiddy Lad and his helpers dressed as Father Christmas and went through multiple estates in Kidderminster and Stourport, spending at least four hours a night doing the routes in the freezing cold and pouring down rain.
"Lots of time was spent behind the scenes also which I dread to think how long it took to put together before and on each night.
"To put smiles on the faces of all ages, whilst doing so he has also raised thousands of pounds for charity and brought communities together.
"He in no way does this for a pat on the back, but he sure does deserve one. I’m just one of the hundreds if not thousands of people who went out to see him with my children. I’m sure everyone else who saw him would agree too."
Barbara Sara, from Stourport Rotary Club, who presented Adam with the award, said: "I think Adam Woodhouse definitely deserves this certificate. Unfortunately, young children do not understand Covid and what is happening to their little lives and why Christmas didn’t happen last year.
"Well, thanks to Adam, a local Kiddy lad, travelling around Stourport and Kidderminster wearing a Santa Claus outfit, he made Christmas happen for all young children and their parents.
"When I saw Adam, it was teeming with rain and he was soaked. What determination to bring so much happiness and pleasure to so many children in our three towns and manage to raise a substantial amount of money for good causes.
"Well done Adam - to you and your helpers."
On receiving the award, Adam said: "I just want to say a massive thank you to Megg Foxall and Jessica Allman-Jones for the nomination. The fact that they have taken the time to do this means the world to me.
"I created Kiddy Lad with one goal in mind - to make people laugh. There was a massive depression in Kidderminster at the time and I wanted to snap people out of it with a bit of comedy each week. If I can make just one person smile then its job done for me.
"We were completely blown away with the response so Santa will definitely be back this year!
"The support I have from my army of followers is what keeps me going and to receive this award is the icing on the cake."
Read more:
- Award for Kidderminster staff who gave up seeing family to protect care home
- Lockdown hero award for Kidderminster pub landlords who raised spirits
Since November, The Shuttle and Wyre Forest Rotary have been searching for the heroic individuals, community groups, charities and businesses that have kept people safe and well throughout the lockdowns.
Those who have gone that extra mile to help their community will receive award certificates from the Rotary club.
We've extended our deadline to make sure we can pay thanks to as many local heroes as possible.
To make a nomination, readers need only fill out our online nomination form below before Sunday, February 14, telling us why that person or business is deserving of some recognition.
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