Santas on the Seafront: Worthing remembers popular businessman with Christmas event
and live on Freeview channel 276
People of all ages — and even dogs — were invited to dress up as Santa Claus for a fun run to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), which took the life of 54-year-old Stuart Acaster last August.
His wife, Sue, said: “We had more than 50 people in outfits, including four or five dogs and a few kids as well.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSue said it was an emotional day and she was ‘overwhelmed’ by the show of support from the community.
She added: “The support and size of it went above and beyond what we thought.
“We couldn’t believe how many people supported in on the day.
“We only started advertising last week and we only had about 15 people last year with Run Academy Worthing.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSue said MND affects one in 300 people in the UK ‘so any of us could get it’.
“Stuart was an active man,” she added. “He loved dressing up and going to events.
“He would go to town with his friends but [MND meant] he was unable to walk, talk or eat.
“There’s no cure at the moment so we need the vital funds and awareness.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSue said the event also helped to ‘put Worthing on the map’, whilst supporting local businesses who offered discounts to people dressed as Father Christmas.
“All in all it was great,” Sue said. “It was a late last night but well worth it.”
Stuart’s best friend, Dean Donaldson, helped Sue to organise the event, which has raised more than £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Dean said he couldn’t have hoped for a better day, adding: “It was brilliant. Everyone was in a really good Christmassy mood.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“There was a really good turn-out and everyone was really happy — it’s what we all need right now.
“It was good for awareness and morale. Hopefully we can build upon that for next year’s event [on December 10].”
Dean, who is on the committee for MND Association for West Sussex South, said it was the perfect way to remember Stuart, adding: “He would have been straight out there dancing on the tables. It was his thing.
“It was really good to have all his friends there toasting him and thinking he would love this.
“It was great to remember the Stuart who loved having fun and not the man who was ill.
“It was also about benefiting the charity to help other people.”