Spirited neighbours delivered a belated Christmas present after handing over a cheque for more than £3,300 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Residents of Christmas Lane, Lowestoft, once again decorated and lit their homes during the festive season and asked members of the public for donations to EACH.
Visitors came from far and wide to see the eye-catching extravaganza and it resulted in a special cheque presentation last Wednesday (17th).
Incredibly, the amount raised – £3,335 – was 50% more than the 2022 total. With donations still coming in since the presentation, that total is now even higher.
“It’s a team effort and we’re very pleased to support EACH,” said resident Paul Gray.
“It’s the third time we’ve raised money for this particular cause and the final amount was astounding.
“We’re so grateful for the generosity of everyone who came and visited our display.
“This event has brought great community spirit to the area and the Christmas lights have percolated to the adjacent roads, Church Lane, St. Michaels Close, Noel Road, Hall Road and Prospect Road.
“St Michaels Church also joined in with the lighting decoration, while the local school nativity events at the church raised a further £500.”
Residents from every house in the lane got in the spirit and more than 300 people came along for a grand switch-on of the lights on 2nd December.
The magical displays contained thousands of twinkling lights and everything from stars and bells to snowmen and Santas.
“We understand there are only three Christmas Lanes in the UK,” added Paul.
“A few of us had been decorating our houses for several years, but it gradually increased in number to a level where we decided to raise money for charity.
“We had collection buckets and a JustGiving page, which could be accessed via a QR code.”
EACH Community Fundraiser Anne Austin was on hand to receive the cheque.
She said: “What an amazing amount of money.
“The Christmas Lane residents go above and beyond every single year and we’re truly grateful for their kindness and community spirit, not to mention all those who went along to enjoy the lights and made such generous donations.”
