A dazzling display of Christmas lights has been switched on outside the hillside home of a Cumbrian vet and his family and will raise funds for the NSPCC.
The illuminations decorate the home of Jeremy and Mandy Voakes and have been lit in support of the charity for 20 years.
This is the first time the lights have gone up since 2021, when they raised more than £7,000, and over the years the couple’s decorations have raised more than £34,000 for the NSPCC.
The decorations outside their home in Cark-in-Cartmel, Cumbria, were switched on by Cannon Hall Farm brothers Rob and Dave Nicholson, who were filming for Channel 5 show Christmas on the Farm.
Thousands of bulbs have been used for the display which can take months to put up.
Jeremy and Mandy said: “We would just like to say how delighted we were to see so many people there for the switch on, and a special thank you to all the volunteers from the NSPCC.
“They are always our chosen charity for the donations because of the valuable work they do all year round, but Christmas is such a special time for children, and we must remember those that are not as fortunate as others, which is why your help is so important.
“Everyone should look out for Rob and Dave doing the switch-on on their Channel 5 Christmas on the Farm Special!”
Janette Drew, NSPCC community fundraising manager, said: “Everyone was completely in awe of the Christmas lights which are breath-taking.
“We are so grateful to the Voakes family and all our supporters for the money raised through this event.
“Although Christmas comes with huge expectations of happiness, love and fun – for the more than half a million children experiencing abuse a year, it can also be an incredibly lonely and frightening time.
“The support Childline and the NSPCC offer can be a lifeline. Every £4 donated means a Childline counsellor can answer a call, email or message from a young person when they need them most, so a £20 donation will help five children this Christmas.”
The lights will be on between 5pm and 9pm until January 5 at Trevenna, Cark-In-Cartmel, LA11 7NL.
They can be viewed by walking into field in front of the house and those travelling to see the lights have been asked to park considerately on the road.
To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/trevennachristmas2023
