Santa pays surprise visit to toddler with cancer

The surprise visit from Santa included a group of carol singers and a sleigh of presents

A family from Burgess Hill has been "overwhelmed" by a surprise visit from Santa after a "tough year" when their toddler was diagnosed with cancer.

Ronnie's cancer was discovered just after his first birthday, making 2024 a challenging year for parents Emily and Barrie and brother Charlie.

The surprise visit, which included a group of carol singers and a sleigh of presents, was organised by photographer Archie Tipple after Emily asked if he knew whether the local grotto was still open.

"It's been a very lonely journey at times but this makes it all worth it. This means so much, more than anyone can ever know," said Emily.

"It's very over whelming but I am very grateful as well," she added. "It's been a very tough year, but we'll get there."

Mr Tipple met the couple after they contacted him to find a photographer for their Brighton wedding.

The event had originally been planned for Portugal but had to be cancelled so the family could attend hospital visits at the Royal Marsden.

Mr Tipple said: "They've had a rough year as a young family, it's like everything was falling apart, so we wanted to create a wonderful night for Ronnie and his older brother Charlie, who has also been affected.

"The response has been huge with lots of people coming along to sing Christmas songs outside their house and bring gifts," he added.

A large group of well-wishers joined the surprise in Burgess Hill

A group of around 40 well-wishers who were touched by Ronnie's story walked through the estate where the family live following the sleigh, which was donated by Mid Sussex Round Table.

Shopkeeper Julie Richards said: "It's lovely to take part in something at Christmas which is about giving not receiving. There is more pleasure in something like this than you can ever receive in a gift."

Julie Holden, chief executive officer of Burgess Hill Town Council, said, "This is a show of spontaneous community spirit. I think this says a lot about our town. It's brilliant."