'We do it for the smiles': Wolverhampton Window cleaner trades van for a sleigh as he raises money for New Cross Hosptial's Children's Ward

Charitable window cleaner, Owen James, from Wednesfield, has swapped his overalls for a Santa suit as he spreads Christmas cheer across Wolverhampton and raises money for children staying in New Cross Hospital.

The 23-year-old is usually spotted cleaning the region's road signs in his spare time, using his own time to make the roads safer for those who travel across the area. 

Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star’s free newsletter

However, this month, Owen has dropped his squeegee and picked up a big red Santa bag as he visits neighbourhoods across Wolverhampton to spread festive joy and collect money to buy gifts for the young patients staying at New Cross Hospital. 

The window cleaner has already visited dozens of streets across the borough, handing out sweets to children and hearing their Christmas wishes.

"When we visit the streets and see children come running out smiling, that's what it's all about", said Owen, owner of Owen's Window Cleaning.

"No one deserves to be empty-handed on Christmas morning, that's why we are doing this. We have already bought around 75 presents for the kids at New Cross Hospital, but we really want to get more," he added.

Dressed in his cheery Santa outfit, Owen visits streets across the region to hand out sweets and accept donations; however, in the end, he says 'It's all for the smiles'.

He said: "When you're an adult, Christmas is about food and stuff. But for the kids, it's all about Santa and presents. When they run out, and they see the sleigh, and they smile. That's why we're doing it.

"It's completely free of charge, but we always ask that if you could make a donation, then please do, but if not, it's not the end of the world, as long as someone gets some joy."

Owen said that he hopes to reach around £1,000, which will help to buy presents for the children; however, 'as much as we can get is great'.

He said: "I think we will really smash that goal. It's the first year we have done this, and it's going really well.

"Anything that we raise after the £1,000 will go to buying selection packs and other stuff that the staff can give out to the children. So it all goes to them in the end."

The presents will be handed to young patients on the Children's Ward on December 22.

For more information on ways to donate to Owen's fundraiser, visit the fundraising website here.