Carla Spencer inspired her street to get into the Christmas spirit by creating a wonderland of lights in their driveways, all for charity.

Carla lives in Pinewood Close, Shirley, and she has always decorated her front garden with Christmas lights, each year bigger and better. But it wasn’t until 6 years ago when a passerby asked if the house was collecting money for charity when she considered starting up a tradition that would last for decades.

I spoke with a neighbour, Rosie Pound, who participates in this event and she said that, “As a family we love Christmas and seeing how happy our lights make other people just encourages us to continue to support this great charity.” Rosie also told me that, “My brother puts up the lights and it normally takes him around two weeks!” Which just shows how dedicated this family really are.

During the 1st of December and the 12th night of December, the whole street was soon involved and since then, have raised a whopping £10k for their charity. Other events include a raffle and new to this year...a tombola! Last year, the street saw approximately £2400 over the month of December which they sent off to a charity called Starlight Children’s Foundation.

This children’s charity brightens the lives of seriously ill children by providing fun entertainment for each and every children’s hospital ward and hospice throughout the UK.

You really have to see it to believe it! If you live locally, this can be a great opportunity to find out how such a small community can make such a big difference to families lives everywhere.