Mandy lights up Manydown house for Zoe Murphy Appeal
Manydown Close resident Mandy Stevenson loves decorating her home for Christmas and her display of festive lights have made the house something of a local tourist attraction.
This year, the mother of five decided that she would have a ‘switch on’ ceremony yesterday (Monday) evening to raise funds for the Zoe Murphy Appeal.
It’s a cause that’s close to her heart, she explains, as her daughter Ellie May, has been in and out of Crumlin Children’s hospital in the past.‘ Thankfully she is ok and didn’t need to travel out of the country for treatment.’
Now ten, Ellie May enthusiastically helped her mother get the house ready for the big ‘switch on’. They began decorat- ing the house two weeks ago. ‘I have three Christmas trees inside and a winter wonderland display,’ she explains.
But it’s the eye catching lights outside which are the big attraction, with lighting displays on the house and in the garden.
This year, Mandy has pulled out all the stops, buying new decorations, and organising activities for everyone who went along to the ‘switch on’.
‘I’ve got great support from my family and friends and also local businesses,’ she says. Pelican Promotions provided a Santa’s Grotto, while Bargain House donated decorations, the Redeemer Creche and Playgroup gave selection boxes for the children who went along.
A collection box, donated by Eamonn Bishop, will be outside the house over the Christmas period with donations going to the Zoe Murphy Appeal.