It’s the end of an era for an annual tradition that’s raised over £80,000 for charity – almost £60,000 for The Kirkwood alone – over two decades.
Derek Highe’s Robin Royd Christmas lights return for the 22nd time – but this year will be the last.
Father-of-two Derek, 66, started lighting up his semi-detached home in Robin Royd Avenue in Mirfield in 2002 when his children were young – and has carried on every year bar one since then.
Families have made a trip to see Derek’s amazing illuminations part of their own Christmas tradition and children who grew up gazing wide-eyed at the light show now have children of their own.
But all good things must come to an end and Derek has now decided it’s time for the curtain – and his ladders – to come down on the festive lights.
For the first couple of years, Derek raised money for Cancer Research UK and helped fundraise for a Disneyland trip for a local boy called Zack, who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Since then, Derek has donated all the money he’s raised to The Kirkwood. In total he’s raised over £80,000 with £58,000 of that going to the hospice.
Derek wants to beat the record £7,000 raised during the Covid pandemic in 2020 and hopes businesses will step in to make donations to boost the total.
Derek said: “It’s been great to create such a tradition and I know many people will miss it but nothing goes on forever. We want to go out while we’re on top and make 2024 the best.”
Derek, who spends six weeks putting up the lights through all kinds of weather, wanted to thank everyone who had helped and supported the lights and made donations over the last 23 years.
“There’s so many people to thank but they know who they are and I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.
“I love to see the lights put a smile on people’s faces. I find it very humbling that families now come every year as part of their Christmas tradition and that makes it all worthwhile. It’s been a fantastic community effort.”
This year’s display will go live with a switch-on on Sunday December 1 at 4.30pm and there’ll be a fireworks display too. The lights will be lit from 4.30pm to 10pm every night and will run until January 5. On Christmas Eve there will be a special visit from Santa.
Derek has asked that anyone coming to see the lights should walk or park away from the street to avoid inconvenience for his neighbours.
Derek Highe (left) and Michael Crowther, of The Kirkwood
Michael Crowther, chief executive of The Kirkwood, thanked Derek for his “unwavering commitment” and said: “Over the past two decades, Derek has raised a staggering amount to help fund The Kirkwood’s vital work.
“Derek’s unwavering commitment to supporting those in need has made him a much-loved figure in his community and a true inspiration.
“Derek’s amazing achievement over the past two decades serves as a reminder of the power of individual action and the importance of community support.
“This year, Derek is hoping he can raise a record-breaking amount – let’s help him achieve his target and show him all the support he has shown us over the years.
“Although his lights may be switching on for the final time this year, the spirit of giving he’s ignited will continue to shine brightly.”
Donations can be made in cash at Derek’s home or online via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rrxmas24
