How Mirfield resident is helping to save Christmas and raising vital hospice funds

The festive period in 2020 will be unlike any other but while fairs and events have had to be cancelled Derek’s annual show will go on.

Every year bar one since 2002 Derek has turned his Mirfield home into a Christmas wonderland.

This will be the 18th time Derek has festooned his semi in Robin Royd Avenue with Christmas lights, making it an annual tradition for families from near and far.

Down the years dad-of-two Derek has raised a staggering £57,000 for charity, mainly for the Dalton-based hospice, now known as The Kirkwood.

Derek, who has been working on his display for the last five weeks, said there was a time when he didn’t know if the lights would happen this year.

“We’ve had some uncertain times but the good news is we are going ahead. Everybody needs a lift right now and it’s more important than ever that we raise funds for The Kirkwood, which has had a really tough time.”

Derek, who started Robin Royd Lights when his children were young, won’t have a switch-on ceremony. Instead he’ll announce on Facebook when the lights are switched on in early December.

“When families do come we want them to stay safe but we want to create some magic too.”

Derek, who has created a secret new theme for this year, will be part of the Kirkwood Festive Light Trail.

The hospice wants people in Mirfield who go to town decorating their homes to sign up to be included on a trail map for families to tour round to see.

Kirkwood community fundraiser Joanna Doherty said: “This is something new and exciting for us. We are hoping to bring some festive joy to young and old alike.”

People have until November 27 to register and should email their name, phone number and full address to [email protected].

People can donate to the hospice via text. To donate to Derek’s lights they should text ROBIN and the amount they want to donate (eg ROBIN5 for £5) to 70450 or to the Mirfield fund generally TWINKLE5 for £5 to 70085.