A 78-year-old great-grandfather is still playing Santa Claus after 54 years, despite having 17 heart attacks, two strokes, cancer and kidney failure.
Dan Jones from Birmingham, England is not letting his ill health to stop him from performing the role of Santa every year because the children enjoyed it so much.
He told The Sun newspaper, "Being Santa's the best feeling in the world. It keeps me going."
Jones first played the role of Father Christmas in 1952 at his daughter's nursery school after the intended Santa begged off the part.
Since then, he acts as Santa from November to Christmas day, and has refused to shave starting every July to ensure he has a real snowy white beard.
He adds, "I felt a bit silly the first time, but once I saw the joy on the children's faces I found I really loved it
"Being Santa is fantastic. Some of the little kids really think I am Father Christmas and, to be honest, sometimes I believe I am as well."
