MALCOLM DENT: It was as hot as a sauna in that costume

As part of the celebration of 20 years of Asda fundraising for the Tickled Pink Breast Cancer Charity, Rachel Webber, Asda Gosport’s community champion, invited me and Carly Davis to dress up as the Gruffalo and Mouse.

We brought the characters to life by putting on huge costumes and wandering around the store, interacting with children and parents alike.

We managed to raise £380 for the very worthwhile cause.

The two hours spent inside that costume made me appreciate just how hard it is to be in character.

As I walked along the aisles I watched the amazed looks on the children’s faces.

Being inside the suit felt like sitting in a sauna – hotter in fact.

I was not able to talk, which for me is nearly impossible, but how the children loved it.

It was a great way to raise money for charity.

The outfits were loaned by Reilly Enterprises, who travel round the country putting on shows.

It was very kind of them to let us use them.

It was a most satisfying weekend.

Since April Asda Gosport has raised £1,200 for the charity.

To find out more about Tickled Pink go to breastcancercare.org.uk.

Malcolm Dent is a member of the Gosport rotary Club