Gareth still lights up lives after 16 years
IF you’ve ever struggled to find the motivation to put up your Christmas tree, spare a thought for Co Antrim man Gareth Watson.
For the past 16 years, the Larne resident (37) has bedecked his family home with festive lights and decorations — all in aid of a centre for disabled adults co-founded by his grandparents.
In 1964, due to the lack of facilities for children with Down’s Syndrome, Gareth’s grandparents Jim and Isabel Ferguson co-founded Larne Special School with Dan and Monica McKeown.
Now renamed Roddensvale School, the facility caters for 96 youngsters, aged three to 19, who have severe learning difficulties.
And since there was nowhere for kids to go after they left the school, the two couples subsequently helped to found Larne Adult Centre, which provides day care services for adults with learning disabilities.
This year, in support of the adult centre, Gareth has once again illuminated his parents’ home, with fairy lights and festive figures to raise money for the organisation.
“My grandparents had a Down’s Syndrome child of their own, my uncle Gerald (58), who my mum now takes care of and who goes to Larne Adult Centre,” said Gareth (37), who works as a customer services manager with P&O Ferries.
“Monica and Dan also had a daughter with the condition, and in those days there was no- where for them to go, so they got together and set up the school and the centre — they fought for both of them.
“Last year I raised about £2,300 from the lights and all the proceeds go to Larne Adult Centre. Over the years I think we have raised £20,000 to £30,000. It is for whatever they need — over the years we have got things like a TV, computers and keyboards, which are good for the visually impaired, massage seats to help circulation.”
This year, the lights were turned on last Monday, November 12 — after a whole weekend spent getting ready.
“It took two to three days this time, and that’s with help from my friends,” revealed Gareth.