IT wouldn’t be Christmas without the glow of hundreds of fairy lights and flashing reindeers – and for one Harlow resident, it wouldn’t be Christmas without lighting up his house for St Clare!

A committed supporter of St Clare Hospice has raised almost £2,600 for the charity over the past three years and aims to set a record with his Christmas lights this festive season.

Paul Blake, a resident of Woodcroft in Staple Tye, has covered his house, garden and garages in hundreds of fairy lights, inflatable Christmas characters and giant robotic festive decorations.

Paul said: “I have been decorating my house with Christmas lights for the past 25 years and over the years have gathered so many lights that I decided I should start collecting donations for a charity. Three years ago I started collecting for St Clare Hospice and it has just got bigger every year. I have started to use an online donation page and last year people were so generous after hearing about the lights through Facebook. I raised over £1,200 last year and hope to better it this Christmas!”

Paul continued: “St Clare Hospice is a fantastic local charity and I know lots of friends whose relatives have needed their care. I couldn’t think of a better or more deserving place to collect for at Christmas time. Last year, on the 23rd of December, I looked outside and there were so many people looking at the lights it was overwhelming. People were so generous, I made over £200 that night, and it just brought tears to my eyes to see such kindness in our community.”

This year Paul’s fundraising efforts has been given a boost by a kind-hearted Harlow business, Avant Garde Hair and Beauty, who have made £1,000 donation to his St Clare fundraising.

Paul’s lights will be on every night over the festive period from dusk until 10pm. You can see the lights at Woodcroft, Staple Tye, Harlow, CM18 6XZ.

St Clare Community Fundraising Lead, Dani De’ath, said: “The amount of support we receive from people in our local community at Christmas time is overwhelming.”

Dani said: “Paul has been a massive supporter of St Clare, holding his Christmas lights in our honour for us for the past 3 years, and it is heart warming that he gives so much time and dedication to help us. He has raised a grand total of nearly £2,600 since he started his annual festive fundraiser, and we hope he raises more than ever this year. The generous donation of £1,000 by Avant Garde hairdressers has certainly set Paul’s fundraising off to a very good start so hopefully he will beat last year’s total!”

Dani continued: “It is a privilege to have such committed supporters in our community. We are so thankful to our loyal fundraisers in the community, without whom, we simply wouldn’t be able to continue our vital services. We want to say a massive thank you to all those have helped us throughout the year – and we wish everyone a very happy Christmas!”

You can donate to Paul’s Christmas lights online at Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paul-Blake18