Kind-hearted teenager’s lights cheered by crowd
There were cheers and a round of applause as crowds gathered to watch a teenager’s Christmas lights being switched on.
The Kent Messenger had appealed to people to be outside Callum Dunne’s Maidstone home on Friday to see the display being illuminated.
The 13-year-old, who has autism, is asking passers-by to make a donation to Maidstone Day Centre, which cares for homeless people. Talking about Friday, he said: “It went very well. It was amazing.”
The teenager, who goes to The Malling School Tydeman Centre,
started creating a display outside his Queen Elizabeth Square home three years ago, with a reindeer and a sleigh, a tree and lights.
But this year’s is his biggest yet – and he has already received more donations than ever before.
“In cash I have raised about £72 but we are doing an online fundraising page and on that I have got £50, which is incredible,” he said.
“I couldn’t have done it without all the neighbours or anyone donating who passed by.
“No one would like to be out in the rain, the wet, the snow, the freezing cold at Christmas while everyone else is indoors opening presents and having a nice roast dinner. You wouldn’t want a homeless person to be left out and lonely so we’re giving them more of a chance to enjoy Christmas.”
Callum’s dad, Patrick, said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported him. It is going to a great cause.”
His mum, Gwynne, added: “He has worked really hard and made a big effort with the display, checking it each day and making sure the lights are okay. “I am really proud of him because it has been all of his own work.”
Gwynne said donations would be dropped off to the charity on Christmas Eve.
The display will be up until January 4 in Queen Elizabeth Square, Maidstone, from 5-9pm.