Easter bunnies set to visit Southampton children and raise money for charity

To surprise and cheer up children, Nikki and Keith Smith from the Sholing area of Southampton will put on their white bunny costumes and give away free easter eggs. 

The yearly tradition started after they were unable to see their grandaughter when the national Covid-19 lockdown was put in place in the UK. 

Nikki told the Daily Echo: "Due to the national lockdown, we were unable to visit and see our granddaughter."

To make up for the lost time, the couple decided to surprise their grandchild.

She added: "Last year, my husband decided to cheer her up, and we decided to dress up and go see her. She was only just two but looked so amazed. It was so nice." 

The couple has been blessed this year with the arrival of their grandson, who is five months old now. Nicki said: "He is only a few months old, so we are very excited to see how he will react. Hopefully, he will not be terrified by us."

This year the Sholing couple is going big. They will be raising money for Abby's Heroes, a Southampton charity, while they make the rounds and pass around easter chocolates in Sholing. 

The grandparents will be carrying donation buckets to encourage a small donation. 

Local pubs, Peartree Public House and Spike Islander, and the Tesco branch in Burseldon have also shown support and donated sweets to the couple. 

On Sunday, April 17 and Monday, April 18, Nikki and Keith will set off in the morning to distribute the eggs. 

Nikki said: "We are expecting to give away eggs to more than 100 kids. 

"We are very excited as kids are always amazed to see us and they are running up and down the streets, wanting to say hi and take pictures with us."

She added: "The past few years have been tough for the children, so it's just so nice to get out and light up their faces and see them smile." 

To follow their adventure, visit: www.facebook.com/Easterbunnysholing