30 Mar 2023 Community

Derek Highe raises over £6,000 for The Kirkwood

The Kirkwood has had a longstanding and fantastic relationship with supporter Derek Highe for many years, he is an individual who has raised more than £50,000 for us over the last two decades.

Derek every year creates an amazing Christmas lights display which attracts people from all over the local area of Mirfield and beyond. His Robin Royd Avenue display is very special and brings a smile to the faces of those that go and visit. 

Derek has always believed in The Kirkwood and the care we provide. His beautiful light display, which takes over six weeks for Derek and his family to set up, attracts hundreds of wide-eyed children and Kirklees families every year as part of their festive celebrations. All Derek asks for in return is a donation to The Kirkwood.

The Robin Royd Avenue display in Mirfield peaks a lot of interest annually and has won Derek multiple awards over the years, including the 2016 Pulse Radio ‘Contribution to Charity’ award and the MyMirfield ‘Best Community Event or Attraction’ award.

Last year Derek raised another £6,038 which is a tremendous effort and one everyone at The Kirkwood appreciates. 

On raising funds for The Kirkwood Derek said: "The reason I picked The Kirkwood to raise money for is because unfortunately as you get older you hear about people needing help from them. Everyone I ever speak to that has been touched by The Kirkwood says how amazing all the staff are that work within The Kirkwood family.

"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."

On Derek's fantastic work Community Fundraiser Julia Owen commented: "Derek has supported us for many years and he is a fantastic person who creates a wonderful show every year. We are proud of Derek's achievements and can't thank him enough for the fundraising he does. Without the funds he raises we wouldn’t be able to provide the care we do. So from everyone at The Kirkwood, thank you Derek."