Melksham couple’s Christmas lights help raise money for charity

A COUPLE from Longford Road have turned their home into a winter wonderland to help raise money for Alzheimer’s Support.

Shirley and Gwilym Watson have spent thousands of pounds on decorations to light up the outside of their home. They have donation boxes in their front garden, encouraging passers-by to donate, with all money going to the charity.

Gwilym Watson said, “This is the third year now that we have done this and we just want to do what we can for a great cause. I am a big kid at heart so I enjoy it, but if it also helps raise money then great. Last year we raised over £800 from the lights but we don’t set targets and just raise what we can.

“It took me three weeks to get the decorations up and we have even more this year, with the side of the house completely covered in festive lights too. Putting them up was a challenge – especially as I’m scared of heights!”

Victoria Hughes-Jones from Somerset Care in Melksham visited the lights with one of her clients Lillian. Victoria said, “We think it is fantastic. We have a lot of clients with Alzheimer’s in Melksham and we rely on donations to provide the support we do and training for our staff, so we are very grateful. To help raise awareness as well as the money is fantastic and the lights really do look great.”

The lights display will be up until Sunday 5th January.