Father Christmas catches Chicken Pox after visiting so many children in schools and nursing homes

  

Santa Dave – real name Dave Upson – voluntarily gives up his time during the Christmas season to visit schools, fetes, and nursing homes in Birmingham.

But he was shocked and upset to be diagnosed with chicken pox at the age of 71 and has spent the last five days at home in bed.

Santa Dave has had to cancel his last six appointments after being struck down with the illness on Saturday.

Dave, from Oldbury, said: ‘I have had to cancel the last six visits of the season. It is very upsetting as I don’t like to let anyone down.

‘I think I’m past the worst now. It’s day five and I’m told I’m not infectious anymore. I just look awful that children will run a mile from me.
 
 ‘I’m hoping to be well enough to go to enjoy my Christmas dinner.

‘I have been on antiviral medication and pain killers and have to go back after Christmas for a check-up.

‘It is very upsetting for me as I love to spread some festive joy. I enjoy seeing the joy on people’s faces, especially children.’

Santa Dave keeps around 70 appointments at schools, fetes and nursing homes during the festive period.

The retired land surveyor has been enjoying his role as Father Christmas for the last 18 years.
His specially made suit costs £1,200 and his belt, shipped in from America, set him back £600.

Santa Dave keeps a full-size toy reindeer in the porch of his home and hangs his Santa outfit up in it so he can spread his festive joy all year round.

During Christmas 2015, Santa Dave caused a storm after security guards at the Bullring barred him from bringing Christmas cheer to shoppers when he turned up.

The Bullring said the shopping centre had its own grotto with Santa Claus and people wanting to engage with shoppers had to have the relevant paperwork.