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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Kelly-Ann Mills

Man who can't afford to put up his Christmas lights this year sets up GoFundMe

A Christmas-obsessed man who says he always has a fantastic festive display outside his home is asking for donations or he won't be able to take part this year.

Lee Jenkins says he can't afford to pay for the electricity bill this year as the cost of living crisis bites so has sent up an online charity giving page to help cover the costs.

The 27-year-old says he normally puts on an extravagant affair including not only lights but decorative snowmen, a snow machine complete with his own Santa.

His display usually runs for an entire month, from 1 December until 1 January, from 4pm to 5am every day.

However, due to the sharp increase in electricity prices, which will see Lee's bills rise by more than 30%, he says he "can't afford" to keep the hundreds of lights on.

Lee, who works at Southampton docks car parking, said: "With the rising costs every household is facing this winter, it would be a struggle to carry on with the display."

Would you donate to help your neighbours pay for their Christmas lights? Let us know in the comments below.

Lee Jenkins with his dad Wayne (Jam Press)
The lights from a previous year (Jam Press)

"I wanted to see if the community would get behind our house Christmas lights, as they mean a lot to me and my dad.

"This [the GoFundMe] is the last thing we wanted to do as we feel really cheeky but we thought we would put it out there.

"Our house is always the light of the street at Christmas, and with everyone's help this year and the generosity shown, we will hopefully be able to continue that role.

"We have been putting them up every year for around 17 years; along with the hundreds of lights, we also have the inflatables in the front garden and the additional snow machine.

The display includes snowmen and Santa (Jam Press)

"The cost of the lights will be going up by more than 30%, which is why I decided to go with the Go fund me page.

"I wanted to see if anyone could donate anything towards them as it would not feel right having no lights this year."

Lee and dad Wayne hope to add even more lights to his display this year, and hope to spread joy to the neighbourhood during this tough time.

He said: "I think it is very important within the cost of living crisis that we are all facing, that people still celebrate Christmas.

They are asking for help (Jam Press)
They want help with the energy bill (Jam Press)

"It is a very special time which we will spend with family and friends and it really brings people together, after such a horrid few years.

"So many people walk down or even park their car outside and take photos and they have a smile on their face.

"That is the main reason why we do it, the reaction we get is overwhelming."

Since starting his fundraising page, Lee has managed to raise £195, with his overall goal at £500.

They want to spread Christmas cheer (Jam Press)

He has been amazed by the response to the GoFundMe page so far.

Lee added: "I am overwhelmed with the response with the page and I am very grateful to everyone who has donated.

"The neighbours have said that having the Christmas lights will be the heart of the street this Christmas.

"We have added a couple more this year like recent years so I hope people will enjoy them."

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