A Marlow Bottom family have once again covered their home in thousands of Christmas lights to spread festive cheer and raise money for charity.
The Shepherd family, whose home in Hill Farm Road dazzles every night throughout December, have been delighting villagers for almost 20 years with their epic Christmas lights display – while raising thousands for good causes.
Jancis and Tony Shepherd, along with their three daughters, spend months preparing for the annual tradition, which first started in 1999 as a “bit of fun” but then became more meaningful after a family tragedy, which saw Janice lose her father just before Christmas.
This year's Christmas lights display at the Shepherd family's home
This year their home has been covered in 25,000 lights in aid of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, a mental health charity they have chosen for the second year running.
The charity was set up in 1997 in memory of Charlie Waller, a young man who took his own life while suffering from depression.
Shortly after his death, his family founded the trust to educate young people about the importance of staying mentally well and how to do so.
Music is synchronised to the lights, which form a dazzling display of illuminations in a nightly show until Christmas.
Now in its 19th year, the enchanting display has become something of a festive tradition in the village, with dozens of residents gathering to watch the lights being switched on every year.
Mrs Shepherd, who is a retired midwife, said: “Through my professional life I have come across a lot of students with mental health issues, so this is a topic close to my heart.
“We are delighted to be supporting the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust once again; it is a fantastic charity which really does make a difference.”
Last year, the display raised raised a record-breaking £9,655.
Clare Stafford, CEO of the trust, said: “This is a truly uplifting fundraiser. The music and light show is absolutely magical.
“It was a total delight to visit and I really would encourage everyone in the area – or even from further afield – to go and see it for themselves.
“We can’t thank the Shepherd family enough for choosing to support the Trust. We simply could not do the work we do to raise awareness of depression and fight stigma, as well as provide free mental health training, without the incredible support we get from individuals and volunteers.”
To donate, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/jancisshepherd.
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