One Family’s Festive Way Of Giving Back
Christmas Lights Displays have become a popular way for individuals and families to generate income and give back to a Charity close to their hearts. By decorating their homes and gardens with lights and ornaments, they brighten up their neighborhoods and bring joy to those who visit.
For five years, the Nash family has been decorating the front of their home in Priorsdean Crescent, Leigh Park, to raise much-needed funds for Rowans Hospice Charity at Christmas time, after Sara’s mum was looked after by our Hospice at Home team in 2018.
Sara told us that the initial displays only included a few decorations on the wall. However, over the years it has grown into a Christmas Light Spectacular, featuring many wooden ornaments which have been homemade by Gary, including a wooden Christmas house.
We only have a small garden, but we make sure everything fits. Local builders’ warehouse, Selco is also really supportive and have helped with a donation and materials.
The sleigh was the fabulous idea of Sara and Gary’s Granddaughter, who one day decided to draw Santa’s sleigh on paper. Once she had finished, she presented her design plans to ‘Grandad’ and asked him to build one for the Christmas Lights Display next year. Not wanting to disappoint, Gary got to work and now the sleigh, pulled by two reindeer, sits proudly in the front garden and provides the perfect photo opportunity.
Sara told us about the care her mum received by the Hospice at Home team when she was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness:
“The care was brilliant, the Hospice at Home team were amazing, they explained what and why things were happening, which was really reassuring. They made sure we had all of the important contact numbers in case we were worried or had any questions. After mum died, the aftercare we received from the team was outstanding, and they were there if we needed anything.”
The popularity of the display grows each year and visitors can make a donation to the Nash Family’s JustGiving Page, which has already raised over £1,200 for this year, or by placing money in the donation box at the house. Sara keeps everyone up to date on the opening times and money raised through a Facebook group, which also grows year on year.
The family’s thoughtfulness does not stop at the Christmas lights display, they told us that Christmas was such an important time of year for Sara’s mum and the family, so they enjoy giving back to the Charity and doing something the community can enjoy.
As well as being able to sit on the sleigh and look at all of the fantastic Christmas features, each child that visits also receives a gift bag that includes an age-appropriate book/toy and a chocolate bar (alternatives are also available for those with allergies and sensory toys are gifted to any children with sensory needs). If you visit the week before Christmas, you may get to meet Santa’s helper, Elfie, who goes out to wish all of the children a Merry Christmas.
Despite the time and effort, it takes to get the display ready (about six weeks!) and the increasing energy costs, it does not deter the family who has already decided to try and make the display bigger next year!
Not only does this wonderful display of Christmas lights and decorations bring joy to those who view them, it also supports those people in our local community who are living with a life-limiting illness. If you would like to visit the Christmas Lights Display please click here for full details. You can also check the Facebook group for any up to date opening times.
We are so grateful to the Nash family for their continued support and for raising a fantastic £5,815.49 over the last four years.