Brothers raise more than £100k for charity from Christmas lights display

Two brothers who transform their mother’s house into a Christmas lights extravaganza each festive season are celebrating after raising more than £100,000 for charity.

Lee and Paul Brailsford have been decorating their mother Rosemary’s home in Brentry, Bristol, since 1994.

They began fundraising for local charities after receiving a large amount of interest in their huge display from neighbours and local fans, who travel to see it each Christmas.

The Brailsford brothers have now reached the milestone of raising £101,000 for The Grand Appeal, the charity for Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

It takes six weeks for Lee, a carpenter, and Paul, a bricklayer, to erect the display which features dozens of figures including Santas, reindeer, snowmen and 50 ropelight shapes.

There are trains, elves and a life-size nativity scene from America, powered by thousands of LED lights.

Kate Jones, community fundraising manager for The Grand Appeal, paid tribute to the brothers for their years of fundraising.

“The Brailsfords’ efforts are a true display of community spirit and we are so lucky to have them fundraise for The Grand Appeal,” she said.

“Their lights are a highlight of our Christmas calendar and, after raising an enormous £101,000 since 2007, will make a massive difference to young patients and their families at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

“With the help of fantastic fundraisers like the Brailsfords we can continue to provide vital services like accommodation for families or arts, music, and play therapies and fund life-saving equipment and medical research.

“Thanks again to Bristol’s most festive family for all their hard work and the generous people who have supported them year after year.”

Donations can be made online at www.brailsfordlights.co.uk.