Littlehampton builders serve up books and burgers for struggling families

Burgers typically come with French fries or a milkshake.

But two Littlehampton builders who have become online celebrities served up a more unorthodox side dish: books.

On Sunday, Brad Hanson from Littlehampton and Sam Hughes from Bognor Regis, also known online as ‘The Bald Builders’, delivered 250 free books and burgers to children in the area whose parents contacted them.

They took a leaf out of the book of footballer Marcus Rashford, who has twice convinced the Government to extend free school meals to children from low-income families during school holidays in England.

Speaking before Boris Johnson changed his mind about extending the scheme at the weekend, Brad, 35, who himself was dependent on free school meals growing up, said: “I don’t know how I would have got by without free school meals – the fact it’s even debated before winter in a global pandemic makes me sick.”

Brad, a dad of four, said he was ‘dismayed’ children who went to school with his were facing adversity due to the Government decision. So with Sam, 25, – who he launched The Bald Kitchen burger van with in August – the pair organised this. The children also received a cookery book by the pair called The Bald Family – We’re Making Burgers.

Aldi in Rustington and Express Food in Rustington donated food and drinks towards the day.

Brad went from cleaning cars at nine to becoming a trainee plasterer at fifteen and making his first million at 24. Brad and Sam then became internet stars, with almost 880,000 followers on Facebook and 146,000 on Instagram watching their songs and comedy routines.

The duo will be launching The Bald Festival in January 2021, raising vital funds for their local children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House, with celebrity guests.