A FROME resident has produced a dazzling Christmas lights display at her house to raise funds for the local children’s charity, Time is Precious.
Tracey Moore of Mill Close has decorated her house with twinkling lights and around 30 inflatable Christmas characters to raise funds for the charity that was set up by Neil and Nicky Halford in memory of their son, Ben, who died from cancer in 2010.
The charity works alongside specialists to purchase equipment and refurbish areas to support children whose illness or disability means long hospital stays for treatment. The equipment also helps family members who want to be with them because time is precious.
Tracey explained, “I do this for Nicky and Neil, not just because they are close family friends, but having my own children spend a few lengthy stays in hospital. The equipment and the reformed rooms and areas they create means a lot to me and my children. It makes their stays and times in hospital a lot more relaxing and distracts them from all the added stress and worry of what’s going on around them.
“I have eight children and if I can teach them to give back to charity, then that’s amazing. My son Harry is obsessed with getting noticed; all the children love all the lights. Harry will sit outside to wait for people to come and visit, in the wind or rain, just to see how many people come round. He’s always coming in smiling, letting me know, ‘they got pictures mum!’
“I don’t just do it for charity, I don’t mind if people don’t donate. I just love the smiles on children’s and adults’ faces looking at all the lights, giving them a bit more Christmas cheer.
“I have about 30 inflatables now from a 20ft Father Christmas waving, a dinosaur and a turkey, along with many other lights that are still going up. Even my neighbour has started to join in. So far, we have £100 on the fundraising page and about £75 in donations.
“People can knock my door or donate online. Every penny helps working towards making children’s stays in hospital less stressful and giving parents the support they need, in and out of hospital.”
Decorating the house with a Christmas lights display is something Tracey says she has done before, except for last year when the cost-of-living crisis hit and electricity bills soared. “Now, I am back, bigger and better than ever,” she said. ‘The lights go on at 5.30pm every night until about 9.30pm.”
The lights will stay on until the New Year.
To donate online visit the Gofundme page at: https://tinyurl.com/ybcsspwx
