This year is turning out to be a big bummer, what with the increasing toll caused by the coronavirus and the subsequent lockdowns because of that.

This is why two martial arts instructors decided to put a smile on children’s faces by dressing up as Spider-Man and going around the neighborhood.

Andrew Baldock, 44, and his friend Jason Baird, 34, have been going around Stockport, Lancashire, for the past week to bring some cheer to children in the area.

Pictures show them in dramatic superhero poses as the delighted children watch in awe.

Andrew, a dad-of-five, said: “This is a very difficult time for everyone so I just wanted to do something to put a smile on people’s faces.

“The reaction I have got from kids when I go out has been incredible, they absolutely love it. If I can make someone happy, even if it’s just for a moment, then it’s worth going out.”

Andrew clarified that they only go out once a day and only within walking distance of their homes. They also make sure they are following social distancing guidelines and are staying well away from people.

He said: “I fully understand there are rules in place at the moment and I’m making sure that none of them are broken when I go out.”

Andrew thought of this idea after he ran a digital martial arts class while wearing his costume and saw the “enormous smiles” on the faces of his young students.

He said: “Everyone enjoyed it so much that after the session I decided to go outside with it on to see what my neighbors thought. The reaction I got from local kids was amazing, they all absolutely loved it.

“Lots of parents took pictures of me entertaining their kids and posted them online and it all went a bit mad from there. People from all over Stockport are asking me to go and visit their street.”

Andrew’s costume came from the time he used to work in retail when he dressed up for events. When fellow instructor and friend Jason Baird heard of what Andrew was doing, he called up another friend to borrow a Spider-Man outfit and join in the fun.

Jason, a dad-of-two, then put up the “Stockport Spider-Men” Facebook page and have been spreading the joy in their own Stockport neighborhoods since.

Andrew said: “We have hundreds of parents asking if we can go and visit their streets to pay their children a visit.

“We will do as much as we can, but obviously we do have to be careful about where we and how long we stay out for at a time like this.”

Andrew and Jason hope that other people around the world follow their example of donning superhero costumes while still following social distancing guidelines.

Andrew said: “There superhero world is huge and there are plenty of other ones people can dress as. I’d love to see people around the country and maybe even around the world doing what Jason and I are. I think the world could do with a bit of fun at a time like this.”

 

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