A KIND-HEARTED grampy is dressing up as Santa to bring festive joy to children who might otherwise might miss out this Christmas.
Craig Jones, 50, and his wife Kate have spent four days transforming their home into a winter wonderland, complete with a Santa’s grotto, colourful festive lights and giant inflatable Christmas decorations.
The grandparents-of-ten open their house in St George’s Road, Dursley most evenings so all children have the chance to visit Santa and receive presents.
They do all of this free of charge and just ask for donations to their chosen charity which this year is the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home.
Their daughter Jessica Mai-Jones, a mum-of-four, is incredibly proud of her parents and asked the Gazette to put together an article as a surprise for them.
“My parents absolutely love doing this, they love to keep the Christmas spirit alive,” she said.
“Growing up our family did struggle financially, I’m one of five with the youngest being 19 now.
“And being a big family our parents just couldn’t afford to take us to see Santa as much as they wanted to.
“They hate the thought of other parents not being able to take their children to see Santa and experience the magic due to the cost of living crisis.
“So they are offering this as a free alternative, however they are extremely grateful for any donations that do get dropped into the sealed pot.”
The Jones family have been transforming their home with Christmas decorations since 2009 whilst Craig has been dressing as Santa since 2017.
In that time they have raised an estimated £2,400 for charities including the British Heart Foundation, The Door Youth Project and the neonatal unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
“Every year they do this and my children absolutely love it. I’m just so proud of my parents,” said Jess.
“We have to tell them that grampy is at the pub watching the football so they believe it’s the real Santa.
“My dad does such an incredible job. My children who are aged six, four, three, two and seven months have absolutely no idea it’s him!
“They first started this 13 years ago when my parents decided to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation as my youngest sister was born critically ill.
“They had so much interest they decided to carry on.
“They also spend all year collecting donations of toys, books and teddy bears to give to children.
“This year my parents have decided to raise funds for the Cotswold Cats and Dogs Home in Cambridge.
“My little sister who is diagnosed autistic does lots of volunteer work for the home and it has helped improve her confidence.”
Families are welcome to visit most evenings between 5pm and 6pm at 25 St George’s Road.
Contact the family via their Facebook page - Santa at St George’s Road - to ensure Santa is available that night.
All children are welcome including those with SEN who can visit at a quieter time with no music.
You can donate to their chosen charity Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home at - cotswoldsdogsandcatshome.org.uk
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