Coronation Street actress Vicky Myers and fellow actress Erin Shanagher have been left stunned by the overwhelming response to their Secret Santa Hamper fundraiser for 2026, with donations already exceeding the £16,000 target.
Myers, who plays DS Lisa Connor-Swain on the ITV soap and hails from Stockport, runs the charity venture alongside Shanagher, a Blackpool-born actress known for roles in The Bay and Peaky Blinders. The pair first launched the fundraiser in 2020 to provide essential food hampers to Greater Manchester families facing food poverty over the Christmas period.
Smashed target
Their GoFundMe page explains that, with public support, they have created and delivered more than 3,200 food hampers to children and families during Christmas holidays since then. This year, they aimed to raise £16,000 to help over 1,100 families. The page also notes that last year they were inundated with requests from schools on behalf of students in dire need, prompting them to increase their fundraising total.
The target was quickly smashed. An Instagram post reshared by Myers read: "We are bowled over by your generosity and support. Heartfelt thanks to you all." At that time, the total stood at £16,460, and has since surpassed £18,000. A new fundraising target of £20,000 has been set.
Fans show support
Coronation Street fans have been among those cheering the effort. @SwarlaApp commented: "Ahh this is incredible!! It's gone past your goal! @SantaHamper @VixMyers @ErinShanagher." @Caitobrien_x added: "We did it, the target has been reached. Knowing that so many people are going to have a little more kindness, warmth & something to look forward to this Christmas is genuinely so special. One small act of kindness really can create something much bigger. @VixMyers, thank you for creating this and for reminding people just how much good we can do when we come together."
