Member Article

The Wonder of Weston

Since 2013, phenomenal fund-raiser, Graham Witter, 24, has been delighting children and adults alike with his magical Weston Christmas Light Display, designed to raise funds for the Donna Louise hospice and now he’s revealed the 2018 total.

A delighted Graham, explained, “Every year I’m totally blown away by the generosity and support of the local community, not just by the families who visit, but by my amazing family, friends and volunteers who give up their own time to support me; but without the local businesses who get behind me I wouldn’t be able to raise the amount I do, so a massive thank you to principal sponsor, Swansway Motor Group, event partner Whitby Morrison, and to all the other local businesses who sponsored and supported me, it’s very humbling”.

“2018’s total is an extraordinary £26,760, the most we’ve ever raised, bringing the total we’ve raised for the Donna Louise hospice to an amazing £92,310. This all started because of my beautiful late sister, Jessica; she had cardio-facio cutaneous syndrome and severe epilepsy, but despite her many health problems, she had a truly magical fascination for colour, light and sound”.

“Each year we’d put up more and more lights for Jessica to enjoy, until in 2013 a family friend suggested we open the display to the public; very sadly Jessica passed away on New Year’s Eve 2015, but we’ll never forget the amazing support the Donna Louise Hospice gave our family and all the money we raise at the display is in memory of our very special Jessica”, added Graham.

Swansway Group director, David Smyth commented, “I live locally and have been visiting the Weston Christmas Light Display with my kids for years. Graham’s dedication and commitment to honouring his sister’s memory by raising as much money as he can for Donna Louise hospice is just so humbling, what an incredible young man”.

The money raised in 2018 will be used by Donna Louise hospice to help fund a disability nurse and to provide ‘sign and symbol’ communication workshops for their staff.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Karen Walker .