Stanley Fullerton, a man who dedicated 50 years of his life to bringing festive joy to Liverpool as Father Christmas, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his elaborate home grotto and volunteer work, he was officially recognised by the city council for his contributions.
Mr. Fullerton, a resident of Old Swan, passed away on September 22. For half a century, he embodied the spirit of Christmas for thousands of children and families, including those at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, leaving behind a significant legacy of kindness and community service.
Key Takeaways
- Stanley Fullerton, known as Liverpool's official Father Christmas, has died aged 87.
- He dedicated 50 years to the role, volunteering for charities and hospitals.
- His Old Swan home was transformed into a famous grotto, attracting over 20,000 visitors in a single year.
- Mr. Fullerton's motivation was to ensure no child missed out on Christmas magic due to financial hardship.
- His family remembers him as a devoted family man who loved making people happy.
A Lifelong Dedication to Christmas
Stanley Fullerton's journey to becoming a Liverpool institution began after he moved to the city from the Isle of Man in the 1950s. Settling in Old Swan, he started a tradition that would span five decades and touch countless lives. His commitment to the role of Father Christmas was absolute; his granddaughter, Sarah Standley, recalled how he would even superglue his white beard on daily to ensure authenticity during the festive season.
His efforts were not limited to private events. Mr. Fullerton volunteered extensively, becoming the familiar face of Santa Claus for Alder Hey Children's Hospital and official city functions. His work was so valued that Liverpool City Council eventually named him its "official Santa Claus," a title he held with great pride.
Married to his wife Angela for 65 years, Mr. Fullerton was the patriarch of a large family, including six children, 19 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. His family life was deeply intertwined with his public persona, with his home becoming the centre of his Christmas activities.
The Kremlin Drive Grotto
The heart of Mr. Fullerton's Christmas legacy was his home on Kremlin Drive, which he transformed into a spectacular grotto each year. Working from a dedicated workshop in his back garden, he created an array of decorations, including a large Father Christmas figure that became a local landmark.
The grotto's popularity grew exponentially over the years. According to his family, one year saw an astonishing 20,000 visitors come to his home. Mail would often arrive addressed simply to "Santa" at "Santa's Grotto" on Kremlin Drive.
From Generosity to Fundraising
Initially, Stanley Fullerton refused to charge visitors any money for the experience. As the grotto's popularity grew, he began accepting donations for charity, eventually raising as much as £2,000 in a single year through the generosity of visitors.
This commitment to accessibility was rooted in his own childhood experiences. Sarah Standley, his granddaughter, explained his motivation. "He said he always remembered as a child how they never grew up with much money and his mum could never take him to Christmas things as she couldn't afford it," she said. "So it was grandad's goal to be able to give everyone the best Christmas that they could have no matter what."
"Whether they had £1 or £1,000 they were treated the same. He would never take any money off them, he was just a really great person." - Sarah Standley, granddaughter.
A Man of Many Talents
While best known as Father Christmas, Stanley Fullerton, who also went by Stan or his middle name Bryan, led a varied life. Described by his granddaughter as a "jack-of-all-trades," he worked in various roles, including as a taxi driver across the city. His practical skills were evident in the elaborate decorations he built by hand for his grotto.
He remained fiercely proud of his heritage, often speaking of his origins on the Isle of Man. Another of his great passions was Liverpool Football Club, where he was a dedicated season ticket holder for many years.
Global Recognition from Coca-Cola
In 2000, Mr. Fullerton's homemade grotto, which featured Coca-Cola signage and a self-made Coca-Cola van, caught the attention of the global brand. James Ernest Couton, then the vice president of Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, sent him a letter and a gift.
The letter stated: "Please find enclosed a small gift in recognition of all your efforts over the years to brighten up the lives of so many people! I understand your Christmas decorations are a sight to behold and inclusion of some Coca-Cola features, does my heart good." Mr. Couton later visited the grotto in person and sent a Christmas card encouraging him to continue his work.
His family remembers him for his boundless imagination and a can-do attitude. "If he set his mind to something he would do it and his attitude always was 'there's nothing you can't do'," Sarah added. "He just loved to see other people happy."
A Lasting Legacy
Stanley Fullerton's impact on Liverpool extends far beyond the festive season. His life was defined by a simple desire to bring joy to others, a principle he lived by every day. His family hopes he will be remembered for this unwavering commitment to making people happy.
"I'm really proud of everything that he did and tried to do," his granddaughter said. "Us as a family are very proud... He would be ecstatic if he knew he was going to be in the ECHO. That was his legacy and that's what he wanted people to remember him for."
The funeral service for Stanley Fullerton will be held on Thursday, October 2, at Anfield Crematorium at 12pm, where family and friends will gather to celebrate a life dedicated to generosity and community spirit.