A Wigan dad is keeping his toddler daughter’s memory alive by dressing as Father Christmas each year.

“Christmas was the last time I ever saw her smile. Seeing other kids smile helps me see it again.”

Those are the words of Wigan dad Paul Wren, whose 22-month-old daughter Ella Louise Wren tragically died just three days after Christmas in 2006 from silent pneumonia.

At first, he wanted nothing to do with the festive season as he grieved for his daughter, who he described as his “best friend” and “a little madam”.

placeholder image — Ella Louise Wren | Contributed

But now he uses it as a way to remember Ella and bring joy to other children by dressing as Father Christmas at events in Wigan.

Paul, who lives in Pemberton, is not paid but instead collects donations for good causes and has raised thousands of pounds over the years.

He said: “She died just after Christmas, on December 28, 2006. I used to dress up as Santa for my own kids and a couple of neighbours. When she passed away, I ripped everything down.

“It only changed about two years later, when I went to see a psychic medium. The first thing he said was, ‘Why is she missing Santa so much?’

“I thought I needed to do it again, so I did. I started doing Santa then and it got bigger and better.”

Every year Paul, 50, wears the famous red and white suit to meet children at events and home visits.

He said: “I love being Santa. I love how it makes me feel. None of my grandkids know who I am, even though they can see me, because my voice changes. Once I have got my suit and beard on, I’m a totally different person.”

Two Christmas trees have been up at Paul’s home since the first week of September - as they are every year - and he is now looking forward to the first festive events.

He said: “This year I’m doing the Pemberton area, so I’ll be at Pemberton Market, Santa’s grotto at Plan-it Events, Fifteens pub and St Thomas’ Labour Club.

“I don’t take a single penny. I buy the Santa suits from my own money and my beards, which I glue on my face because I always get kids who pull.”

For the second year he will be raising money for Daffodils Dreams, which supports children and families in Wigan who are struggling to make ends meet.

Paul said: “What Daffodils Dreams do for other children says it all. In my eyes, it’s our Ella spreading joy to all the other little boys and girls who can’t have Christmas like they should and they really help.”

His fund-raising is his way of honouring Ella, who loved Christmas, but also making sure she is not forgotten.

Paul Wren as Father Christmas at his daughter's grave | Contributed

“It keeps me going, it keeps me happy,” he said. “If I can help make other kids smile, then I’m doing it.”

This December will mark the 20th anniversary of Ella’s tragic death and Paul says it could be the final time he dresses as Father Christmas, due to his health issues and following a number of deaths in the family.

But for one final festive season, he will wear his famous outfit and beard and remember his “beautiful” daughter.