LEGOLAND Windsor Resort has opened for Christmas, with nine-year-old fundraiser Elliott Furse turning on the lights.
Back in 2019, Elliot Furse donated his Christmas presents to children in hospital and started ‘Elliott’s Christmas Appeal’. Since then, he has sought to raise funds and continue the activity, even after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020.
The child appeared on ITV’s This Morning live broadcast and was hit the big red button to turn on the holiday lights on LEGOLAND Winsor Resort’s 10-metre-tall Christmas tree. He also enjoyed a VIP stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel and exclusive access to enjoy some of the rides whilst the park was closed, visiting Driving School and getting his first ever LEGOLAND driving licence. He also received £1,000 worth of LEGO sets to donate to children in hospital and a selection of sets to enjoy himself.
‘The surprise made me feel really amazing and special, I couldn’t believe I got to do all that I did. It was like a dream come true,’ said Elliott.
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‘Everything was so perfect,’ added his mother, Samantha. ‘The staff were so wonderful, and we are already planning another trip back next year. Elliott was absolutely thrilled and described the whole experience as a “dream come true”. We can’t thank everyone enough.’
Following his brain tumour diagnosis, Elliott underwent two major surgeries and left hospital with little control over his mobility or speech. With support and rehabilitation from the team at Bristol Children’s Hospital, he regained his speech and dexterity.
Elliott’s fundraising can be found on Facebook and ‘Elliott’s Community Fundraising’ will be registered as an official charity next year.
‘Everyone across the Resort was in complete agreement that Elliott was the perfect person to switch on our Christmas lights,’ said Helen Bull, Divisional Director at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. ‘He is a true inspiration to us all. It was our pleasure to welcome him to the park and have him officially mark the start of Christmas at LEGOLAND by turning on our Christmas lights.’
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort opens today for the Christmas season, with special festive additions to the usual slate of rides.
