A heart full of magic

In a world that often moves too fast, there are few things more powerful than the simple, transformative joy of a child’s laughter. For the past 32 years, our charity has been lucky enough to call Skittleman, real name Craig Gallimore, one of our most dedicated supporters. Whether he’s DJing our Christmas or Summer Disco or hosting our Comedy Bingo fundraiser, he has brought endless smiles to our families throughout the years.

But beyond his banter and tricks of the trade, Craig has brought something even more vital to our community: a steadfast heart and an unwavering commitment to our families.

We sat down with him recently to pull back the curtain and talk about the bond he’s built with our families, the moments that have touched him most, and why he returns year after year.

Where it all began

“After university I moved down to Essex to find a “proper” job near London. I worked at Bumpies Soft Play near to Brentwood Ski Slope. While I was working there, someone recognised me from my uni days and wondered if I would be the entertainer at their child’s birthday party. From there, more jobs came in. The nickname “Skittleman” was thrown around at uni so that became what I went by.”

“I met Hilary there while she was just starting the charity. She asked if I could come along to their first ever Christmas party at Keys Hall, play some music, games and a little bit of magic. That was my first ever SNAP gig, my first ever regular gig, back then I even had hair!”

Along for the ride

As SNAP evolved, so did the ways Skittleman supported. Growing from Christmas parties to summer and Christmas discos, it became a firm favourite for many families over the years and also a highlight for many of The SNAP Team’s annual calendar! With dance offs, conga lines and interval ice lollies, the discos are not to be missed.

During lockdown, Craig joined us on Zoom for regular ‘Online Hour with Skittleman’ sessions. Filled with crazy games, competitions, magic and music, he’d entertain our families from behind the screen, creating silliness and laughs when life was tough with the pandemic. Families lacked connection, joy and support and Skittleman brightened those days.

It’s not just children and young people that Craig entertains. He has hosted numerous Comedy Bingo fundraisers for us over the years for the over 18s. Getting everyone up on their feet and picking on a few unlucky guests, he fills the room with uncontrollable laughter, dancing and
singing. Bingo calls unlock songs, dances or wild actions for guests to take centre stage.

“People come and go all the time but, once I’ve met someone once, they become a friend.”

Looking back

“I couldn’t name a favourite  memory… just all of them.”

“The fondest memories I have are with the families I’ve met along the way and whose kids have passed away. They stand out and stick with me because of the greatest joys and greatest laughs they experienced …. Thinking you’ve made a bit of difference in their lives. I’ve got to  know many families over the years, and without SNAP, I never would’ve known them.”

Everyone’s a friend

“Everyone gets treated the same way, whatever your needs are, whether you can or can’t walk, you all get treated the same. All my career, all my life, you’re going to get the same off me. If you’re in a wheelchair, if you don’t understand what’s going on with me, I’ll still be abusive to you in a friendly way! It’s the Skittleman charm and it’s carried me through. I reckon my career started the same year as SNAP.”

“People come and go all the time but, once I’ve met someone once, they become a friend.”

“I’ve met so many people and made so many friends along the way. If someone comes here who is new, whoever they are, whatever they are, as soon as they walk in, I think “It’s a friend I’ve never met before.”

Thank you so much Skittleman for all the smiles, laughter and joy you have brought to so many SNAP families over the years.