Leeds landlady's drive-by Santa visits raise more than £4,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Santa on the decking of the Gaping Goose in Garforth waving to families.

Jo Heywood, of the The Gaping Goose in Garforth, had to close her doors in November when the city first went under Tier 3 lockdown restrictions.

Although this meant she was unable to host her annual Christmas party, she was determined to bring some festive cheer to her community.

Jo and other volunteers in the area decided to set up a visit Santa experience in her pub's car park - which ran every day from December 9 to December 22.

Jo Heywood, landlady of the Gaping Goose in Garforth, and her team of festive friends, raised thousands of pounds after putting on a drive-by Santa experience.

Families were able to drive in from one entrance of the car park, receive gifts from Santa elves and a wave from Santa, before driving out of the other entrance.

It was a huge success, with thousands of children visiting the pub for a chance to see Santa.

Jo, 35, from Kippax, said: "The Santa visit may have been a simple idea but it gave so many families a good memory to take from 2020.

"Christmas isn't about the presents. It's about watching people's faces when opening them.

Jo Heywood, landlady of the Gaping Goose in Garforth.

"Seeing the children's faces was unbelievable.

"A total of 2,829 children went away with a big, happy smile.

"The belief of Santa and the belief of magic is still around us.

"In dark times we should all look for some positive. We all stand together and we all stand strong."

Although the event was free, Jo said that any money people did want to donate would go to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, in tribute to her dad Neil Hemingway.

In just 10 days, Jo and the team raised £4,600.57 for the ambulance service.

Jo said: "I honestly couldn't have don't this without everyone who has helped me and I will truly never forget that.

"I can't believe how much love and happiness just a few hours volunteering each day could bring.

"The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is so close to my heart as my dad was part of the first crew.

"Hopefully people will never need the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service, but thank goodness if they do it will be there."

This is not the first time Jo has rallied the community together during the coronavirus pandemic.

Back in March, she dug out the Goose's bingo kit and hosted a socially-distant game on her street - The Rise.

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