Sainsbury’s Santa fundraising for new surgical centre in Norfolk
He’ll dress as Father Christmas every day
A Sainsbury’s employee is getting in the festive spirit in Norfolk – to raise money for a good cause.
Simon Game works as a personal shopper at Sainsbury’s in Longwater, Norwich.
From December 1st to Christmas Eve, he’ll be on the shop floor dressed as Santa Claus to raise money to help build the £11.4 million Norfolk and Norwich Orthopaedic Centre (NANOC).
When built, the centre will carry out around 2,500 orthopaedic cases a year for patients who need ankle, foot, hip, knee or shoulder operations.
Simon knew he wanted to help after undergoing hip surgery aged just 50, after crippling arthritis left him in unbearable pain.
He said: “I waited 18 months for my new hip and the pain was horrendous at times. I had trouble walking, needed to use crutches or a frame to get around, and I often needed to sit down.
“Just eight weeks after the operation, I was back at work and leading a normal life. I want to support the appeal because I know, first hand, the difference this has made to me and I am so grateful to the management and colleagues at Sainsbury’s Longwater for also supporting this.
“The store welcomes 40,000 shoppers a week so we hope everyone will get behind us.”
Sainsbury’s Longwater will place charity buckets and information about the appeal at the end of its tills.
Jim Wimhurst, NNUH Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, said: “To have support like this from Simon and the team at Sainsbury’s Longwater is wonderful news and is a fantastic example of the community getting behind us.
“Hearing what a difference hip surgery has made to Simon’s day-to-day life emphasises how important the new Norfolk and Norwich Orthopaedic Centre (NANOC) will be to the people of Norfolk. We thank Sainsbury’s for backing our NANOC appeal during December and we hope Santa Simon puts a smile on shoppers’ faces.”