Britain's longest serving Santa still brings the magic of Christmas after 58 years
Britain's longest-serving Santa Claus has defied the coronavirus pandemic to spread some festive joy to children - for the 58TH year running.Ray Hulse, 76, was determined not to let Covid-19 ruin Christmas this year after his annual appearances were thrown into doubt for the first time in over half a century.But today (Fri) he was able to don his red-and-white suit once again to keep alive the tradition which has been going for almost 60 years since he was 18-year-old. Ray surprised pupils at Windmill Primary School, in Telford, Shrops., with a socially-distanced appearance giving out gifts to excited kids on his sleigh.The grandfather-of-one said he was delighted to be able to bring some Christmas magic to children this year after his plans were nearly scuppered by the pandemic. Ray, of Bridgnorth, Shrops., said: "It has been a real tough year for everyone and I really didn't know if I would be able to be Santa this Christmas. "The thought really saddened me because it would have been the first time in 58 years that I hadn't done so and I want to keep going for as long as I can. "Fortunately, we weren't placed in the highest tier after the second lockdown and I think that has helped get a couple of schools on board this year. "Somebody from my local church group helped arrange if for me and I was overjoyed to pull on that famous red and white suit again. "To see the children's faces light up once more was just so magical and this year of all years is extra special after what we have all been through."You've had children writing to Santa asking if he will be able to deliver presents this year - and of course the answer is yes."The kids were delighted to see me and I was delighted to see them after spending so much time shielding and in lockdown."I've been doing this for almost 60 years - but this year feels like it could be the most special of all."Ray has given out thousands of gifts to gleeful kids to make their dreams come true since stepping in as a stand-in Santa in 1962.He was 18-years-old when he was asked to appear at a children's Christmas party and he has since raised over £55,000 for charity.Ray usually appears at hospitals, schools and supermarkets - but this year has been constrained to a handful of school appearances. Ray says he has always loved Christmas and will try to keep going until his 100th birthday.He added: "Christmas is a magical time for children.
When a stranger's child runs up and slings their arms around you - the warmth of that is such a blessing."You feel like royalty when they come up with their parents and everyone wants a hug and a picture.
But there obviously hasn't been any hugging this year. "When people tell me I am the longest-serving Santa in Great Britain, it motivates me to keep going. "Its nice to know I have a made a difference and I wasn't going to let the coronavirus pandemic ruin Christmas this year. "It just brings so much magic to so many boys and girls - while at the same time raising money for a good causes."The dad-of-two decided to start raising money for terminally ill children following the loss of his son Nicholas in 2012.For the past 30 years, the retired tyre fitter and ex-miner has been raising funds for Hope House Children's Hospices, which support sick children.He added: "I hope that I raise quite a bit of money while I'm doing it, but also to try and get terminally ill children the best quality life."I find it very rewarding and I'll keep on doing it for as long as I can.
I want to still be going if I get to 100-years-old. "As long as I'm fit enough, I'll keep on going.
I'm definitely not retiring yet."Ray always makes sure he travels in style and has seen his sleigh pulled by a horse, a canvas-top Land Rover and a pony and trap over the years.He added: "I've gone from being pulled around on a horse and trap to having a Land Rover with a 'SANTA 1' number plate."It's also fitted with two speakers and 200 LED lights that change sequence which brings a bit of added sparkle."This year I had a bit of trouble with the battery so I nearly appeared on a sleigh without any lights, which would have been typical of this year, but I got it fixed just in time."It has just been great to bring some joy and happiness to the children - because lets be honest 2020 hasn't been filled with much of it."I think we should all try and go out of this year on a high and I hope I can play a small part in making that happen."
Britain's longest-serving Santa Claus has defied the coronavirus pandemic to spread some festive joy to children - for the 58TH year running.Ray Hulse, 76, was determined not to let Covid-19 ruin Christmas this year after his annual appearances were thrown into doubt for the first time in over half a century.But today (Fri) he was able to don his red-and-white suit once again to keep alive the tradition which has been going for almost 60 years since he was 18-year-old.
Ray surprised pupils at Windmill Primary School, in Telford, Shrops., with a socially-distanced appearance giving out gifts to excited kids on his sleigh.The grandfather-of-one said he was delighted to be able to bring some Christmas magic to children this year after his plans were nearly scuppered by the pandemic.
Ray, of Bridgnorth, Shrops., said: "It has been a real tough year for everyone and I really didn't know if I would be able to be Santa this Christmas.
"The thought really saddened me because it would have been the first time in 58 years that I hadn't done so and I want to keep going for as long as I can.
"Fortunately, we weren't placed in the highest tier after the second lockdown and I think that has helped get a couple of schools on board this year.
"Somebody from my local church group helped arrange if for me and I was overjoyed to pull on that famous red and white suit again.
"To see the children's faces light up once more was just so magical and this year of all years is extra special after what we have all been through."You've had children writing to Santa asking if he will be able to deliver presents this year - and of course the answer is yes."The kids were delighted to see me and I was delighted to see them after spending so much time shielding and in lockdown."I've been doing this for almost 60 years - but this year feels like it could be the most special of all."Ray has given out thousands of gifts to gleeful kids to make their dreams come true since stepping in as a stand-in Santa in 1962.He was 18-years-old when he was asked to appear at a children's Christmas party and he has since raised over £55,000 for charity.Ray usually appears at hospitals, schools and supermarkets - but this year has been constrained to a handful of school appearances.
Ray says he has always loved Christmas and will try to keep going until his 100th birthday.He added: "Christmas is a magical time for children.
When a stranger's child runs up and slings their arms around you - the warmth of that is such a blessing."You feel like royalty when they come up with their parents and everyone wants a hug and a picture.
But there obviously hasn't been any hugging this year.
"When people tell me I am the longest-serving Santa in Great Britain, it motivates me to keep going.
"Its nice to know I have a made a difference and I wasn't going to let the coronavirus pandemic ruin Christmas this year.
"It just brings so much magic to so many boys and girls - while at the same time raising money for a good causes."The dad-of-two decided to start raising money for terminally ill children following the loss of his son Nicholas in 2012.For the past 30 years, the retired tyre fitter and ex-miner has been raising funds for Hope House Children's Hospices, which support sick children.He added: "I hope that I raise quite a bit of money while I'm doing it, but also to try and get terminally ill children the best quality life."I find it very rewarding and I'll keep on doing it for as long as I can.
I want to still be going if I get to 100-years-old.
"As long as I'm fit enough, I'll keep on going.
I'm definitely not retiring yet."Ray always makes sure he travels in style and has seen his sleigh pulled by a horse, a canvas-top Land Rover and a pony and trap over the years.He added: "I've gone from being pulled around on a horse and trap to having a Land Rover with a 'SANTA 1' number plate."It's also fitted with two speakers and 200 LED lights that change sequence which brings a bit of added sparkle."This year I had a bit of trouble with the battery so I nearly appeared on a sleigh without any lights, which would have been typical of this year, but I got it fixed just in time."It has just been great to bring some joy and happiness to the children - because lets be honest 2020 hasn't been filled with much of it."I think we should all try and go out of this year on a high and I hope I can play a small part in making that happen."
