A family have set themselves the mission of ‘bringing back the magic of Christmas’ by plastering the outside of their home with decorations in a charity fundraiser.
Mark and Kayleigh Brent, from Dagenham, east London, are self admittedly ‘Christmas obsessed’ and have always raised money by going full out with their decorations with impressed passers by and neighbours donating to charity to show their appreciation.
This year the couple are raising cash for the British Heart Foundation after Mark required open heart surgery when he suffered a near-fatal heart attack.
The charity have been supporting his recovery and the family want to thank them in a practical way.
The decorations at their home in Dagenham include an illuminated BHF sign as well as a giant projection of Father Christmas, biblical figures, a snowman and other assorted characters associated with the festive season.
Mark, 36, told Metro: ‘We have been through a lot. I have had many operations and it’s obviously been a big strain on the family.
‘Since I was young we raised money for various charities by decorating our house so this is a continuation. The British Heart Foundation are so incredible, we wanted to show our appreciation. The people there are amazing.’
He added: ‘We one we are not the only ones going through a hard time. It’s tight might for so many people what with the cost of living. We are hoping to bring back the magic of Christmas. ‘
Kayleigh and Mark have three children who are loving the monumental decorations on their house.
There is even a full size Santa statue just inside their home with a welcoming smile.
The family have already raised almost £800 in just a matter of days with their spectacular decorations attracting hundreds of passing admirers.
Kayleigh, 36, has also completed a sky dive as part of fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.
She told Metro: ‘The kids absolutely love what we have done. They and their friends are bowled over by it.
‘We love Christmas and after everything we have been through as a family we are staying positive. This is our way of saying thank you and spreading good cheer and while raising money for a great cause.’
On whether the neighbours mind the spectacular illuminations and Christmas characters outside the suburban house she added: ‘They are all lovely and have been very supportive. They are perfect neighbours.’
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