In a suburban garage in Wigan, 80-year-old Bill Houghton has earned the nickname 'the Wigan Santa' by handmaking wooden toys for underprivileged children. Over the past three years, he has crafted thousands of toys, including trucks, cars, and animals, after hearing about a three-year-old boy who had no toys at all.
Houghton, a former fitter and father of two, began making toys for neighbours' children before partnering with local charity Daffodil Dreams. The charity reports that a quarter of children in Wigan live below the poverty line, and Houghton's creations help bring Christmas joy to hundreds of families each year.
This year, Houghton is working through his first Christmas without his wife Pat, who passed away earlier in 2024. She had been his 'sticker co-ordinator', adding finishing touches to each toy. Despite his grief, Houghton continues his daily routine, working from 9:30am to 4pm in his garage workshop, sustained by ginger biscuits and coffee.
Houghton's toys have gained popularity on social media after his grandson posted them on Instagram, leading to a viral response. He was recently invited to switch on the Christmas lights at Wigan's Cottonworks, dressed as an elf.
Maureen Houlcroft, founder of Daffodil Dreams, described Houghton as 'an angel', adding that his toys are highly appreciated by the community. Houghton himself says, 'No child should be going without, at Christmas – or any other time.'
