Whitnash resident's Halloween events help raise 'record-breaking' amount for Children in Need
A Whitnash resident has helped raise thousands of pounds towards Children in Need after a ‘record-breaking’ year at his Halloween events.
This was the fifth year that Darren Butler had put together the much-loved event in Whitmore Road – and it helps to raise thousands of pounds for the fundraising drive every year.
The House of Halloween transforms the driveways of three homes into an ‘immersive haunted experience’ each year – featuring themed rooms such as a graveyard, haunted mansion, clown room and chop shop.
It is a popular attraction, drawing in hundreds of people each Halloween.
For this year's attraction a haunted nursery and an eight-foot grim reaper, among other new props and effects were added.
Darren said he invested nearly £3,500 in new animatronics, props, and special effects to deliver the event’s “most ambitious and spectacular experience to date”.
Pudsey Bear also joined on the night, posing for photos and encouraging donations.
Darren said this year’s Halloween event helped to raise £1,512.04 in donations, which was then matched by the Leamington Round Table – giving a total of £3024,28.
The fundraising effort was boosted further by a Halloween quiz night on November 7 at The Nelson Club in Warwick, where 24 teams took part.
Around 6,000 raffle tickets were sold in the run-up to the event and on the night, alongside auction proceeds, the quiz-night fundraising raised approximately £7,000.
The raffle once again featured 100 prizes, ranging from hotel stays, days out, food, drink and gifts donated by local businesses and organisations.
This year Darren’s Halloween events raised £11,304.29 in support of BBC Children in Need, which he said was record-breaking.
Across its five-year history, the House of Halloween and associated events have now raised more than £30,000 for charity.
Darren said: “I’ve been a huge fan of Halloween for many years, and the House of Halloween has grown beyond anything I imagined.
“I’m amazed by the generosity and support from our community – whether it’s donating prizes, materials, time, or coming along to enjoy the events.
"I want to say a huge thank-you to everyone involved.
"I know Children in Need will put the funds to good use, supporting those who need it most.”