Over 2,000 people attended the Nuthall Christmas Lights display, which has raised over £100,000 for two different charities, over the last 15 years.
The Swift family, of 1 Laurel Cresent, Nuthall have been raising money for terminally ill patients and sick children by transforming their home into a Winter Wonderland.
The Nuthall Christmas Lights started in 2000, to a small crowd, but this year people travelled from all of the city to see the light switch-on.
The money raised will be donated to Nottingham City Hospital’s palliative care unit, Hayward House, since 2004 and more recently the When You Wish Upon a Star Charity.
“Our little corner of the world, is a happy corner. People come to enjoy themselves”.
Anthony Swift, Founder of Nuthall Christmas Lights
Anthony Swift, 59, said “15 years ago, my father in law, was a day patient at Hayward House. He was given 12 months to live”
“The staff at Hayward House are incredible. When you go round the wards, it’s like a family”
Last year, over £26,000 was raised for the two charities, with this years current total at just over £6,000.
Last night's @NuthallLights switch-on was attended by HUNDREDS of people from all over Nottinghamshire! Last night alone, they raised £2,081 for charity – half of which will go straight to our @HaywardHouseNUH Appeal! THANK YOU to everyone who gave so generously 💕 pic.twitter.com/P1RhPobAo6
— NUH Charity (@NUHCharity) November 19, 2018
Alison Hayward, Community Fundraising Manager for NUH Charity, says the donations helps make the staff’s job easier.
“It makes their jobs easier, they have more ways that they can support their patients. They see everyday the difference it makes, for people going through a difficult time”
The family have been preparing the decorations since September, with approximately 100 sets of lights installed – raising his electricity bill by £9 a night.
The Winter Wonderland also has a Santa’s Grotto, a shop which sells gifts donated by the charities and the families, mulled wine, gingerbread men and even
Santa’s sleigh.
Mr Swift, 59, said: “Our little corner of the world, is a happy corner. People come to enjoy themselves, they enjoy the lights, they have a laugh.”
“They feel at home here. The gate is always open, we’ve just turned lights on. They’ve all got a story to tell.
Visitors are admitted free of charge, but can make a small donation to either of the two charities.
The Nuthall Christmas lights run from 16th November – 2nd January 2019.
