10,001 Santas on Derry’s Walls?

TEN thousand and one Santas are planning to man Derry’s Walls next Christmas.
The aim will be to raise money for local charities – and to get the Maiden City into the Guinness Book of Records.
There was a shock for shoppers in the January sales in Londonderry on Saturday afternoon, when they were met by the unseasonal sight of 100 people dressed as Father Christmas to officially launch the ‘10,001 Santa Challenge’, which will raise money for the local Children in Crossfire charity, the Foyle Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and Icare, the autism charity.
Organiser Martin Mullan said yesterday that for a minimum £15 sponsorship anyone can dress up as Santa and join in the massed charity stunt on December 9, 2007.
He said confidently: “The interest in this project to date has been phenomenal and the world’s eyes will be on Derry if we manage to pull this off. The scenes will be spectacular if we have 10,001 Santas on the walls.”
The Londonderry businessman added: “We’re looking at some major corporate players who are interested in coming on board with this project.
“This will be huge for the city, with bus loads of people coming from all over to play a part in setting a new world record.
“I would envisage every hotel in the city being packed to capacity. It will be a chance for us to showcase the city to the world. It’s something that will be unforgettable for all concerned.”