Fergus Finlay: This time of year, we all need something good to believe in

Santa Claus is coming. If you believe, he can really help to ease whatever pain and heartache is hurting you, writes Fergus Finlay

Fergus Finlay: 'I love 'doing' Santa Claus so much that years ago I bought my own suit.'

John Latchford is an elf. Once a year, a full-grown, full-on, elf. And probably the most annoying elf you’ll ever meet. “Don’t go in there yet,” he’ll cry. “Santa is picking his nose”. Or halfway through a visit, he’ll sneak over and start stealing the big sack of selection boxes, forcing our members to run after him.

Our members love him, even if Santa himself can get a bit cross sometimes. Santa is me. And the members who come, year after year, are all the members of Lakers. They all have an intellectual disability, and one of the things that means is that they’re never too old to have a chat with Santa Claus, or to enjoy a bit of mischief with the elf.