A town's much-loved Santa Claus has died weeks before Christmas after contracting coronavirus in hospital. Walter Ernest Parnham, known to many as ‘Wally’ or ‘Mick’, brought festive cheer to hundreds every year by donning the red suit and white beard.
In recent years the 79-year-old had to take a step back from Kris Kringle because of health issues but he was still held close to the heart of the community of Wainfleet, Lincolnshire Live reports.
The well-known pensioner suffered a small heart attack about a month ago and recently tested positive for coronavirus while receiving care in Boston Pilgrim Hospital.
The grandfather to four and great grandfather to one passed away on Saturday, November 14. His son Carl, 55, who also lives in