Gainsborough's Marshall’s Yard raises more than £1,000 for the Dransfield Foundation through festive fundraising

Throughout December, the centre welcomed hundreds of families to its Santa’s Grotto, one of the highlights of a busy festive calendar.

The Yard’s popular weekend events, including the annual Festive Fayre, helped boost donations as visitors enjoyed seasonal entertainment, shopping and community celebrations.

The money raised will support the work of the Dransfield Foundation, which marked its tenth anniversary in 2024.

The Foundation provides financial assistance to children and young people aged 18 and under, focusing on those facing ill health, terminal illness, or financial hardship across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Its mission is to fund the meaningful extras, from hospice support to enhancements at children’s hospitals that make a real difference to families during difficult times.

Since its launch in 2014, the Foundation has distributed more than £230,000 in grants and donations.

Its wider fundraising has been powered by the long‑running Tour of Europe Charity Bike Ride, which has raised over £583,000 for the Foundation and other charities since 2007.

Speaking on behalf of the trustees, Mark Dransfield, chairman of Dransfield Properties Ltd, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Marshall’s Yard team and to everyone who donated during the Christmas events.

“Community support like this is vital to the work of the Foundation and it’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm for helping young people across our region.”

Melissa Clement, centre manager at Marshall’s Yard, said: “Christmas is always a special time here, and we’re thrilled that our festive programme has helped raise such a significant amount.”