We’ve been covering our house in Christmas lights for 12 years to raise money for charity and don’t plan to stop
A COUPLE completely cover their house in Christmas lights — in a bid to raise money for charity.
It is the 12th year running that John and Helen Attlesey have put on the extravagant show.
They couple, both in their 70s, say they have “too many lights to count”, but their neighbours do not mind the bright decorations.
They have raised £61,000 over the years — and last year split £7,674 between Great Ormond Street Hospital, Dreamflight, and East Anglia Children’s Services.
Helen said: “People say I bet your house is wonderful inside but we don’t bother decorating much as there’s already too many outside.”
Helen and John’s grandson Jacob, now 21, was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy at the age of six and was given 12 to 18 months to live.
He underwent surgery to remove part of his brain and his seizures stopped – allowing him to eat and walk again.
Helen, of Soham, Cambs, said: “We’re going to help others who could be in the same situation we found ourselves in.
“It costs a few bob with the bills going up, but we get on with it.
“We vow to do it for as long as we can – we’re twelve years in officially but we don’t have any plans to stop.”