A kind-hearted couple who decorate their home with hundreds of Christmas lights have presented a cheque for nearly £2,500 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
John and Helen Attlesey have been raising funds since 2012, and their eye-popping display features luminous snowmen, reindeer and an inflatable Santa Claus.
They support three charities that supported grandson Jake when he was diagnosed with a serious form of epilepsy at the age of six. He was given 12 to 18 months to live, but, after undergoing surgery to have a part of his brain removed, his seizures stopped, and he celebrated his 23rd birthday on 26th January.
EACH is one of the causes they raise funds for, along with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Dreamflight.
EACH Senior Community Fundraiser Victoria Goldsmith recently visited the couple at their home in Soham and received a cheque for £2,348. Astonishingly, it brings their overall total for EACH alone to nearly £25,000.
“Our display has become a tradition, and we’re very proud to have raised as much as we have,” said Helen.
“We both feel strongly about supporting these charities because they did so much for Jake.
“It takes a lot of work, but it’s very much worth it, and we’re grateful to everyone who supports us by making a donation.”
John and Helen start putting decorations up in January and take them down again after Christmas. Their headline-grabbing display has appeared in the local and national press, as well as being featured on radio and TV.
Victoria said it was a pleasure to meet and spend time with the couple.
“They’re such lovely people, and their stunning display is always a sight to behold,” she said.
“It’s an incredible gesture, and, down the years, they’ve raised an extraordinary amount of money for EACH.
“It makes a real difference to our vital work, as well as sprinkling festive cheer and putting smiles on faces over the Christmas period.”
