Santa sails into Gravesend with early delivery for local primary school

Santa Claus made an early stop off to surprise children from Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School in Gravesend, with a little help – and a river ride – from the Port of London Authority, allowing Rudolph to rest up for the work ahead.

Pupils from years 2 and 3 came along to a festively decorated Town Pier in Gravesend, where the festival fun, craft, and Christmas carols took on an extra level of excitement when Father Christmas arrived on a PLA harbour service boat, to hand out some early Christmas presents.

Robin Mortimer, CEO of the PLA, said:
“As the UK’s biggest port, bringing in yuletide essentials and presents from around the world, the Port of London helps deliver Christmas each year. We worked with our friends at the Port of Lapland to arrange a special visit from Santa Claus himself and were delighted he was able to come and meet some special guests from Holy Trinity Primary School.”

The PLA has also today presented cheques to three local charities: £42,000 to the QVSR Seafarers’ Centre in Tilbury, £7,500 to ellenor hospice care in Gravesend, and £5,000 to Elliot Holmes Memorial Trust, which all provide support and help to people in our community all-year round.

Alexander Campbell OBE, CEO at the QVSR Seafarers’ Centre said:
"This donation will support the Tilbury Seafarers Centre to provide a warm welcome to seafarers visiting the Thames; giving them an opportunity to relax and take time away from the ship after many months at sea. We are hugely grateful for the support of the PLA throughout the year and especially at Christmas. Over 3,000 presents will be given to seafarers arriving in the port over the Christmas period, bringing some festive cheer to the men and women who are not only working over Christmas, but who are a long way away from their families and friends.”

Jemma Kemp, Corporate Partnerships Manager at ellenor, said:
“ellenor is truly grateful to the Port of London Authority for their generous donation and continued support over the past year, including sponsorship of our Christmas events and gifts for our patients. Gestures like this mean so much to the individuals and families we care for during the festive season.

“As one of the only hospices in our area supporting people of all ages, at home, in the community, and in our hospice. We know how important it is to create moments of calm and comfort when life feels unsettled, especially at Christmas. For families facing life-limiting illness, this time together becomes even more precious.

“Support from partners like the PLA enables us to offer families reassurance and meaningful moments during difficult times. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity, which helps us continue delivering our expert care to the community throughout the festive period and beyond.”

Peter Scutts, CEO of Elliott Holmes Memorial Fund, said: 
"We are hugely grateful for the Port of London Authority's £5,000 donation. As a long-established local company, PLA is deeply rooted in the Gravesham's community and dedicated to investing in its young people. Their support will allow us to help some of the most vulnerable young people in Gravesham get the vital support they need."

To arrange the special visit from Santa, the PLA also received support from local businesses, including Thames Clippers, KM Facilities Management Group and NOW Construction.