Dad Chris Lamb delivers Chocolate Oranges in memory of son

Chris Lamb, 45, started Make A Difference Friday 12 years ago in memory of his son Elliott Lamb, who died aged four in 2010 from the condition congenital Cytomegalovirus.

Elliott Lamb (Image: Stock)

In his memory, Chris came up with the idea of collecting as many Terry’s Chocolate Oranges as possible for hospital staff nationwide each Christmas.

This was inspired by him gifting a Chocolate Orange to a doctor caring for his son over the Christmas period and how much it meant to him and the doctor at a busy time of year.

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Ahead of this year’s effort, more than 125,000 of the chocolates have been donated to the appeal in Elliott’s memory, and gifted to hospital staff in December across the UK and even in various other countries such as Australia, Germany and more.

This year will see the figure surpass the 130,000 mark.

A choir from Brook Lodge Primary School in Rainford were at the town hall for the Chocolate Orange Appeal event on Friday morning, ahead of Chris travelling out to drop them off at hospitals and hospices in the region, with more deliveries planned next week.

Chris Lamb (Image: St Helens Star)

“It is the first time we have done it all in person since the pandemic, so it is amazing to be back, said Chris, 45.

“It means everything to me. I get anxious that nobody will turn up but then people who hadn’t even been in touch end up coming in!”

On Friday, Chris travelled to Elliott’s former school, Lansbury Bridge, in Parr, and to Whiston Hospital, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, and Zoe’s Place Hospice to deliver the tasty treats. 

“He just loved it at Lansbury Bridge, he had started there in the September and died in the December,” said Chris.

One highlight memory that Chris treasures is the day Elliot took to the pitch at Saints’ former Knowsley Road ground ahead of a Super League play-off match against Warrington in 2010.

Chris and Eliott on the Saints pitch at Knowsley Road (Image: Stock)

“That was the best day.

“I think of those memories, and my mates shouting his name, my phone was buzzing for half an hour after we went out there that day,” said Chris.

“I actually started doing the Chocolate Oranges a couple of years before Elliot died, and in the ICU they said ‘where’s ours?’

“When people helped me through that time (after Elliott’s passing), it made me think about doing something every year to remember him.

“I lost Elliot at Christmas and never thought I would celebrate it again.”