Santa's worthy cause wins by a whisker

The real thing ... Santa gets ready to bid farewell to his beard

The sponsored ‘Shave Santa’ event saw arguably the best impersonator in Sussex of the jolly man in red undergo a hair-raising experience.

During the interval of Jack and the Beanstalk at The Barn Theatre, Seaford, Santa returned to his inconspicuous alter ego, mechanic Robert Horscraft, until the next festive season.

Because of Robert’s snow white hair and real beard, which takes him four months to grow each year, children always stop him in the street, even when dressed in normal clothes, to talk to him about Christmas, and he always obliges by slipping into his ‘Santa’ persona.

Smooth operator ... Robert Horscraft was in the expert hands of Darren Reader

A much-loved grandad of three, talking to children comes easily to the Seaford resident and he helps out at dozens of charity events in the winter season, including supporting Seaford Rotary which collect thousands of pounds for charity with its annual ‘Sleigh Ride’.

The ‘Shave Santa’ event has so far raised £300 for Seaford Musical Theatre Juniors to host a fabulous ‘Just Because’ party for children who have suffered illness, such as cancer, bereavement or trauma and give them magical memories to help through harder times.

‘Just Because’ parties are also supported by Children With Cancer (Polegate), Teddy Treats Children’s Charity, Bob’s Retro Market and the Builders Club, Seaford. The shave was handled expertly by the owner of Seaford’s Shortcuts Barbers, Darren Reader.

You can still donate online at : www.localgiving.com/shavesanta

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