Businessman's generous offer to bring gift of Christmas to 50 Wigan families

A kind-hearted businessman has pledged to spend thousands of pounds to make sure Christmas is a special occasion for 50 struggling families in Wigan.
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Mike Creegan, who owns Expert Roofing and Guttering, wants to do something to help people having a difficult time, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to have an impact.

The father-of-three has promised to spend £5,000 on ensuring 50 families across the borough can still celebrate the festive season in style.

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He will use the money to buy presents and food for a meal on Christmas Day.

Mike Creegan with his familyMike Creegan with his family
Mike Creegan with his family

Mike, who lives in Whelley, said: “I thought it would be nice to give £5,000 to the under-privileged. It will be 50 families - £100 each - to make a difference. It’s something that could have been done before to help people. I’m doing it to try to get help to families.”

Mike said he did not get many gifts when he was growing up in Marsh Green, but found his feet as a teenager and went on to set up his business in 2006.

What was initially a “one-man band” has grown to have 18 employees and so far has weathered the coronavirus pandemic.

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Mike will soon be overseeing the business from Spain, as he plans to move there with his wife Kelly and three children.

But first he wants to help as many families as he can in his home town and is asking people to get in touch if they would benefit from his donation.

Mike, 38, said: “I want to feed a family on Christmas Day and give presents as well. For example, a woman contacted me whose husband died and she has three kids. I will make sure on Christmas Day they have presents each and they have a dinner.

“If people see me doing it - a lad from Marsh Green - I’m hoping more people might come out and do the same thing. If I can do it, there’s no reason why others can’t.”

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Mike is aware that some people may take advantage of his generosity and ask for help when they do not really need it.

But he hopes genuine requests will be made so he can make a difference for families who may be struggling this Christmas.

He said: “Say you have a hard-working family and one parent has been laid off due to a firm’s circumstances and they can’t afford to go that extra mile for Christmas. They might be able to pay their bills but can’t afford to buy presents.

“It’s for the kids so they have something nice to open on Christmas Day and enjoy the day. It’s better than worrying about how to feed them and worrying about Christmas. It’s to give the family a good day.”

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Families wishing to seek support from Mike this Christmas are asked to email [email protected].

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