11 Feb 2022 Community

Derek Highe raises thousands for The Kirkwood with his amazing festive lights display

The Kirkwood delighted to announce that Derek Highe’s Christmas lights display raised an incredible £6,881.25 over the festive period. We would like to thank Derek and all his team for their continued support over many years. The amazing funds he continues to raise helps to Support Life for anyone affected by a life limiting illnesses here in Kirklees.

Derek has just completed the 19th year of putting on his festive show. Seeing his twinkling, shining lights is now part of a Christmas tradition for hundreds of visitors, with people travelling to Mirfield from miles around to see them. And witnessing his lights bring so much happiness to people, especially in what has been a testing few years, remains a source of immense pride for the dedicated fundraiser.

The 2021 theme was the ‘Enchanted Forest’, and featured animals and a train running through the heart of the illuminations.

Derek has been raising funds for The Kirkwood since 2003 and has raised well over £50,000 in that time! His beautiful light display, which takes over six weeks to create, attracts hundreds of wide-eyed children and families every year as part of their festive celebrations.

Derek’s contribution and dedication has won him multiple awards over the years, including the 2016 Pulse Radio ‘Contribution to Charity’ award and the MyMirfield ‘Best Community Event or Attraction’ award.

This year, Derek has had many contributions and he would like to thank everyone who has been involved in creating the display and donating funds to The Kirkwood.

He said: "I have lots of people to thank, including: the Capri, Mirfield, who raised £542 from a Christmas Raffle, and The Capri, Horbury, who raised a similar amount from their Christmas Raffle.

"I’d also like to thank The Shire Bed Company, who provide the material for my ‘snow’.

"I also must thank Independent Electrical Services Ltd and the Dewsbury Road Runners, who donated £500. Both the Roberttown Cycling Club and Roberttown Road Runners passed my house as part of their route and they also made fantastic donations.

"Two people that are extremely important, and who I must thank, are my two helpers, Andrew Gray and Ian Auty. Without their help it would be even harder to create."

The Kirkwood are delighted that Derek's festive light show continues to be a huge success and bring smiles to so many people in the local community.

On raising such an huge amount, Derek said: "Once again you can see just how many people care deeply about The Kirkwood. It is such an important cause to so many people across Kirklees.

"It's such a vital resource, there are thousands of people who fundraise for The Kirkwood and they all do a terrific job. I am just happy I can fundraise for the charity by creating what I do."

The Kirkwood’s Chief Executive, Michael Crowther, was delighted with Derek's total and believes his event has become part of the Kirklees Christmas tradition.

He said: "Derek has raised thousands for us over the years, and with those funds we have managed to support so many people across Kirklees. His event is now a Christmas staple tradition for many families, bringing joy to everyone who see his amazing displays.

"Derek really helps to bring the festive spirit out in our community and we are both proud and delighted he is part of The Kirkwood movement. I'm excited to see what he can come up with for 2022.

"Thanks once again to Derek and everyone who donated to his event, and to us as a charity. The funds you raise really matter and help us to improve the quality of life for local people in the ways that matter most to them."