In a suburban garage in Wigan, a story of extraordinary kindness is unfolding, led by an 80-year-old man many are calling the town's real-life Father Christmas. Bill Houghton has dedicated the last three years to handcrafting hundreds of beautiful wooden toys for children living in poverty, ensuring no child goes without a gift this Christmas.
The Heartbreaking Story That Started It All
The cheerful octogenarian's mission began after a conversation with a local charity, Daffodil Dreams. They told him about a three-year-old boy who had no toys whatsoever. "That cut me up, to think of that little lad," Bill recalls, his voice trembling with emotion. Reflecting on his own happy childhood, he was determined to help. "I thought, 'I'm not having that'. I just want to help, to do what I can."
Daffodil Dreams, which assists families with essentials like school uniforms and trips, will now deliver Bill's creations to hundreds of homes this festive season. The charity highlights a stark reality: a quarter of children in Wigan live below the poverty line. Bill's workshop, filled with saws, lathes, and pots of child-safe paint, has become a production line of hope, churning out trucks, animals, and brightly coloured figures.
A Workshop Filled with Love and Memory
Bill, a former fitter and father of two, started making toys for neighbours' children before demand grew. Now, he spends all winter in his garage, starting at 9.30am each day, sustained by ginger biscuits and coffee. This year, however, is tinged with personal sadness. Bill lost his beloved wife, Pat, earlier this year after nearly 60 years of marriage. She was his 'sticker co-ordinator', adding colourful finishing touches to each toy.
A photo of them together sits on his kitchen counter. "This will be my first Christmas without her," he says, "but she'd want me to keep going." And so he does, beavering away, with special orders this year including football-themed toys for Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City fans.
Community Recognition and a Lasting Legacy
Bill's remarkable work recently went viral on Instagram, managed by his grandson, leading to a new kind of fame. He was even asked to switch on the Christmas lights at Wigan's Cottonworks – dressed as an elf. "People have been really nice," he smiles. "And I hope it helps raise lots of money. It's sad that we need charities like Daffodil Dreams but I’m glad I can do my bit to help."
Maureen Houlcroft, the charity's founder, calls Bill "an angel". "What he does is very special. Last year we helped 700 children and Bill is part of that. He's a wonderful man... He can't make enough as far as we're concerned."
Among the boxes of wheels and blocks of wood in his packed workshop, one toy stands out: a bright green duck. "Ah, now this is a special one," Bill explains. "It's for my great-grandchild, she’s due to arrive this Christmas." As he puts the final touches on a wooden koala for another lucky child, his motivation remains pure. "Christmas is not about a fancy meal or spending lots of money... It cuts me up to hear about children whose families can't afford to buy them a present. So, I’ll keep making my animals and the toys to make sure everyone has something to open."
