Lymington Christmas shopping event raises £16,600 for Oakhaven Hospice

Christmas Shopping at Delawarr (CSAD) founders Sarah Branson and Helen Lennox are delighted to report that the 2025 event has raised £16,600 for Oakhaven Hospice.

Initially created in 2021 by Helen and Sarah in memory of their mothers who passed away just a few months apart, CSAD has now raised a total of £57,729 for Oakhaven to date.

“We most definitely hadn’t anticipated Christmas Shopping at Delawarr becoming an annual event. We were grieving, both our Mum’s loved Christmas and Shopping so it all fell into place and seemed like something positive that we could achieve at that time, whilst also offering us some uplift.” Commented Helen.

“We are extremely fortunate that Delawarr House owner, Jo Broadway, could see the potential in the event and stepped into lend us her family home in the heart of Lymington as a venue. When we refer to the retail area as being in 'Jo’s Kitchen’ that’s exactly what it is! We now also use her dining room, hallway, drawing and games room, the family’s generosity is immeasurable.” Added Sarah.

As well as 20 local retailers, there is also a bustling coffee lounge, a Winter Wellness area, and the MEGA RAFFLE which is not to missed. The Mega Raffle is just that, mega in both value and breadth. You might win a beautiful piece of original artwork, a voucher for physiotherapy, a substantial hamper of perfume, exquisite jewellery, or an overnight stay at a 5* hotel with dinner and breakfast.

“The support we receive from Hampshire and Dorset businesses is extraordinary considering the precarious economic climate. The volume of prizes this year reached 99, with items still being delivered we opened the doors. We are also fortunate to be in the position where businesses now come to us to ask if they can get involved such is the impact of the Fair, many offering multiple prizes which is truly amazing.” Continued Helen.

From a commercial perspective there are few places receiving 1,000 visitors on a Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning during November, making CSAD appealing on many levels!

Jill West, the Oakhaven Hospice Fundraising Manager added, "Thank you so much to Sarah, Helen, Jo and everyone involved in making CSAD such a wonderful success. This popular event is invaluable to Oakhaven and helps us continue to make every moment matter for those under our care. Oakhaven support over 450 people at any one time and with only 11% of our costs are covered by the NHS we rely on events like this to be able to help us provide our services across the New Forest, Totton and Waterside areas" 

“We are so happy to be able to support Oakhaven Hospice. Helen and I both have first-hand knowledge of hospice care, and our friendship group includes many who have been looked after and nurtured through the loss of a loved one.” Concludes Sarah

The Stall Holder applications for CSAD will open in Spring 2026.