Help Dexter turn his love of Halloween into support for Little Havens

My name is Mike Gallop, and I’m Dexter’s dad. Together with our family, we run Dexter’s Halloween, a Halloween walkthrough at our home in Rayleigh, Essex, raising money for Little Havens Children’s Hospice.

Dexter is 13 and completely obsessed with Halloween. For the last few years, he has spent his birthday money, Christmas money and savings on animatronics, props and decorations. He plans it all year, and there always seems to be another idea or another creature he wants to add.

What started with decorations outside our house has grown into a scare maze across two neighbouring properties, with scaffolding, themed rooms, lighting, sound effects and a giant gargoyle above the entrance.

But behind all the scares is something that means a great deal to us.

Why Little Havens matters to our family

We visited Little Havens with Dexter, met the team and saw the care and support they provide for children and their families. That visit stayed with us.

Little Havens cares for babies, children and young adults living with incurable conditions. Its support includes respite and end-of-life care, alongside support for families through some of the hardest times they will face.

Seeing that work first-hand gave Dexter another reason to put so much into his display. He loves making people jump, but he also knows that his hobby can help other families.

In 2025, Dexter’s Halloween raised over £1,700. In 2026, we passed our £3,000 target on JustGiving alone. The generosity of our visitors, supporters and local businesses has been incredible, and we want to keep building on that support.

Every extra pound adds to what we can give the hospice and gives Dexter an even bigger total to try to beat next year.

How your donation will help

The funds raised through this page will be donated to Little Havens Children’s Hospice to support its care for children and their families.

These donations are separate from the costs of building and running Dexter’s Halloween, which our family and sponsors help cover through their own money, donated materials, equipment and time.

We keep entry to the walkthrough free and encourage people to donate what they can. You don’t need to visit the event to support Dexter’s fundraising.

We know everyone has their own financial pressures. Any amount you can spare would be appreciated. Sharing this page also helps us reach people who might like to contribute.

As Dexter’s dad, I’m proud of the work he puts into this. But seeing so many people get behind him and help turn something he loves into support for other families means even more.

Thank you for helping us help Little Havens.

Mike, Dexter & family