Couple’s popular Christmas lights spark bright idea for fundraising

The owners of a house on the Kings way, which delights Dundonians each year with its Christmas display, now hope their lights can help raise charity cash.

Julie and Billy Clark have been decorating their home for 14 years, with ever y Christmas seeing new lights and decorations added to their cheery collection.

This year the couple, who have three children, have decided to raise as much money as they can in aid of Children’ s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).

Julie says she has often seen people taking selfies in front of her illuminations.

Due to that popularity, the couple decided to add a donation box to their display allowing locals to give to CHAS.

The charity runs hospices and provides support to families with babies, children and young people who have life-shortening conditions.

Julie, who works as a retail assistant, said: “We have put lights up for the past 14 years since the birth of our first child.

“It all started with just some icicle decorations which hung from the gutter and a ‘Santa Stop Here’ sign.

“Every year since it has grown bigger and bigger “I have been to two CHAS events and think it is such a great cause.

“The stories they tell are heartbreaking and I could never imagine being in those parents’ shoes so it would be great to help as much as we can.”

She said of the lights: “It does get a bit pricey running them all but it is worth it when you see how many people enjoy them.”

Billy and Julie Clark with illuminations at their home.