Will brings festive cheer as he runs around Sandy in Christmas costumes

This December don’t be surprised if you see Father Christmas, Jingles the Elf, or ‘Santa carrying a gift’ out for a jog, as you’re not dreaming!

Father-of-three Will Bailey, 36, is on a mission to inspire smiles during the pandemic, and make life seem a little lighter.

Will said: “It’s had a brilliant response. Two school buses went past and spotted me, and I saw a couple of kids with their mums and dads, and they gave me a little wave. Although when I went for my test run on Tuesday with the inflatable Santa, his fan fell out! But it’s all about making people smile and laugh - that’s the method behind the madness.”

Residents have been used to seeing Will dressing up as superheroes, as during the lockdowns he would run in his character costumes to lift people’s spirits.

Families can ask Will (or one of his volunteers) to visit for a superhero doorstop birthday surprise, or he can record a message. He is also videoing Christmas messages from Santa, and has created a grotto in his home.

Will said: “A big thank you to my wife, Maria - she’s been phenomenal in her support of my endeavours, and to my mum, Christine. I used a walking stick she no longer needed to make a candy cane! A big thank you to my family and a big thank you to the community.”

If you would like a superhero surprise or Santa video, message Will on Facebook.

Will is raising money for Laburnum Primary School. To donate: gf.me/u/zaq45v