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Award-winning Christmas display raises thousands

27 January 2021 chsw Fundraising

There is no doubt John Burge’s Christmas lights raised many smiles in his home-town of Worle. John once again transformed the front of his house in Spencer Drive into a vintage toy shop to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).


John’s 'bigger and better' eye-catching design attracted much attention and was featured on a variety of television programmes and news reports over the festive period. His home also came first place in the Illumination Street Competition for the best small outdoor display. 

The-vintage-toy-shop-by-Cathy-Rogers


John first began decorating his home for charity in 2011 and for the past few years has raised money for CHSW, which has a hospice a short distance away in Wraxall. 
His 2020 display was particularly poignant as it was lit in memory of his mum who died in April. 


John’s efforts raised an incredible £3275.54 for CHSW’s Charlton Farm, which provides respite, emergency, end-of-life and bereavement care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The hospice has adapted its care during the pandemic to ensure Covid-safe support wherever and whenever families need it, including for the first time ever, in families’ own homes.

 

Julie Draper, Area Fundraiser at CHSW, said: “John is absolutely blown away with the kindness that people have shown and he has become a bit of a local celebrity. We’re very grateful to him for choosing to raise money for CHSW; every penny raised will help us continue to care for very poorly children and families.”