BARNSLEY’S and possibly the world’s tallest Father Christmas Jordan Gray is set to ensure hundreds of children and parents across the town are able to enjoy the festive period without any money worries.
Jordan’s perhaps best known in the town for his work as a doorman in bars but this year he’s been a security guard for the stars.
He’s looked after the likes of Tyson Fury, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rod Stewart and he’s even recently launched a podcast with fellow Barnsley social media star Danny Malin.
The town has always been at the heart of everything he does and this year is no different.
Standing at six-foot-nine, there can’t be any taller Father Christmases anywhere in the town and there’s certainly none with a bigger heart than the Shafton man.
And after launching Gray’s Winter Wonderland, he’s had more than three million impressions on social media.
The events began yesterday and will continue today and tomorrow at the New Inn in Gawber.
But how did it all come about?
He told the Chronicle: “I came back from Lapland UK with my kids and it was an absolute fortune.
“Don’t get me wrong it was fantastic but it was really expensive.
“I will get ‘lightbulb moments’ all the time and I took it upon myself to plan a Winter Wonderland that all families can afford.
“I’ve done it so it’s a ‘pay what you can afford’ rather than it being really expensive.”
It’s due to be a fun-filled few days and Jordan’s already spent £1,000 on presents for youngsters.
And he’s hoping he’ll be able to fill the town with Christmas spirit in what can be a difficult time for families.
He said: “I want to give back to the community.
“I want everybody to be able to enjoy the Christmas magic, regardless if they can afford it or not.
“People have been donating presents and I’ve been out and bought £1,000 worth of them already.
“We’ve got a Go Fund Me page which has been absolutely flying.
“It’s going to be a magical three days.”
There’s plenty of events planned at the Winter Wonderland and he’s determined to ensure everyone enjoys themselves.
He added: “I’ve got the Santa’s Grotto where I’ll be the Santa I’ve been doing that for eight years now.
“I’ve got a photographer taking photos at the event so everyone will be able to get a photo in the grotto free of charge.
“There’s loads of food stalls, crafts, bakeries everything you can think of, it’ll be there.
“And they’re all local they’re all from Barnsley.
“I’ve also booked some sessions for children with SEND but they were filled within ten minutes.
“I had over 700 messages about those sessions.
“They’ll be a lot quieter and a lot more SEND-based.
“Everyone deserves to have a good Christmas and I’m hoping that this is going to help with that.”
n More information can be found on Jordan’s social media channels.
