A Startforth dad is using his festive lights display to raise cash to help young people struggling with mental health issues.
It is the second time that Mike Dack has lit up his home in Strathmore Close to raise cash for Teesdale YMCA’s one-on-one sessions with young people in distress.
Mike and his family began decorating their house eight years ago. He said: “We started off with one Christmas tree – a real one from Raby Castle. Then over the years it has gone crazy.”
His front garden display is completely new with lights that he began buying in the January sales.
About £300 has been spent and includes a £60 snow machine as well as lasers which beam up onto the walls of the house. In total there are 31 plug points for the display.
Last year’s lights have been put in the back garden.
Mike said: “I did one in aid of the YMCA before just before covid, but for the last three years I didn’t want to do it because it has been hard times for people since then. Now that things are perking up, I thought I’d do another one.
“I know the YMCA do a lot of work with kids with mental health issues. I have seen it with my own eyes. The money I raised before pays for one-to-one sessions with a child. It doesn’t seem much, but I bet it did for that child. It is fantastic work that they do.”
Mike has put out donation buckets at his house and there is a QR code for supporters to scan and make an online donation.
