She accepted the money as an Inverell volunteer for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and she was grateful.

“I think it’s wonderful. I admire Ben for doing it,” she said.

Ben raised the money as part of Inverell’s fabric of tradition; dressing up as Santa Claus for local youngsters to confide their dreams.

“Children have got to have Santa Claus, and if I can help someone on the way, why not? They can help some one else.”

Ben’s donation is a tail on the $72,000 raised in 2015 by Inverell for the North West service.

The funds came through barbecues, golf days, and large events such as the Copeton Enduro.

Ben said Inverell was special in its enduring support for its community.

“We’re brought up that way; you’re brought up to help each other,” he said.

“We’re all friends, and my dad used to do things for charity and help the town, and it just follows on.

“Marjy’s parents were the same, it just follows on.”

Marj said she joined as a Westpac Helicopter volunteer about eight years ago when she was searching for something to do.

“I’d always worked, and Terry and I both retired in 2006. I used to do a bit of patchwork and that sort of thing, but I just felt I needed something else,” she said.

“They were asking for the volunteers for the support group in Inverell and I just thought it was something that I could help with, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of what I’ve done.”

Ben said he would not be packing away his Santa suit for good. Come Christmas, it will be beard on, and suited up.

“My word, while ever I’ve got a breath in my body, I’ll still do it,” he said, with a twinkle in his eye.