Santas raise funds for St Barnabas

For the charity’s first ever ‘wear a Santa suit day’, Worthing mayor Ann Barlow was one of the first people to put a suit on.

She joined St Barnabas fund-raisers at the Christmas tree in Montague Street to show her support.

Later, the fund-raising team took part in a Zumba session on the temporary stage near the Guildbourne Centre, and the cast of Peter Pan also supported the festive event.

Sussex Gruffs male voice choir performed on the stage, all wearing Santa suits, while staff at Pegasus PR, in Liverpool Gardens, Worthing, spent the day as Santas.

St Barnabas supporter Tony Pitt dressed as Santa, and posed for photographs on the train on the way to work.

Samantha Latter, who runs Allsorts in Salvington Road, turned her shop into a Santa’s grotto for the day.

She said: “It was brilliant – we had about 80 children turn up to see Santa. Then in the evening myself and Sue Scroft, my manager, volunteered to waitress at The John Selden. The landlord Rodney Stoneham matched what we raised during the day, giving us a total of £322.08.”

Other people who took part included Get an Offer Estate Agents, SPA Welding, Department for Work and Pensions, Downsbrook Middle School, Kingfisher Family Medical Practice, Shoreham and Southwick Rotary, Richard John Hair and Beauty and St Andrews High School for Boys.

The biggest group to take part was Northbrook College, where 44 students and teachers raised £1,133. Fund-raising officer Neil Francis said: “It was fantastic to see so many Santas out and about.

“We can’t thank our supporters enough for throwing themselves into the festive spirit and helping to raise vital funds for St Barnabas.”