I spent 17 years building Christmas display – but now I can't afford to switch on lights because of my electricity bill | The Sun

A CHRISTMAS-obsessed Brit has revealed he can't fund his annual festive display due to the cost of living crisis – and has now set up a fundraising page to get help.

Lee Jenkins has displayed an incredible lights show outside his house for the last 17 years, with the hopes of spreading holiday spirit.

The festive set up usually runs for an entire month, from 1 December until 1 January, from 4pm to 5am every day and includes lights, decorative snowmen, a snow machine – and Santa of course.

However, due to the sharp increase in electricity prices, which will see Lee's bills rise by more than 30%, he "can't afford" to keep the hundreds of lights on.

So, Lee has launched a GoFundMe and hopes the community will come together to support him.

The 27-year-old told NeedToKnow.online: "With the rising costs every household is facing this winter, it would be a struggle to carry on with the display.

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"I wanted to see if the community would get behind our house Christmas lights, as they mean a lot to me and my dad.

"This [the GoFundMe] is the last thing we wanted to do as we feel really cheeky but we thought we would put it out there.

"Our house is always the light of the street at Christmas, and with everyone's help this year and the generosity shown, we will hopefully be able to continue that role.

"We have been putting them up every year for around 17 years; along with the hundreds of lights, we also have the inflatables in the front garden and the additional snow machine."

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Christmas-obsessed Lee also hopes to add even more lights to his display this year, with the hope that the festive display will give joy to the neighbourhood during this tough time.

He said: "I think it is very important within the cost of living crisis that we are all facing, that people still celebrate Christmas.

"It is a very special time which we will spend with family and friends and it really brings people together, after such a horrid few years.

"So many people walk down or even park their car outside and take photos and they have a smile on their face.

"That is the main reason why we do it, the reaction we get is overwhelming."

Since starting his fundraising page, the Southampton docks car parking employee has managed to raise £195, with his overall goal at £500.

He has been amazed by the response to the GoFundMe and the largest donation so far was £25.

Lee told the Southampton Daily Echo: "The biggest donation so far has been £25 which really blew me away.

"I really didn't expect people to give anything but it really shows how much people love the display.

"If people can donate I would really appreciate it but if not, then I think what everyone wants is to come along and join another great light display and help spread the good old Christmas spirit."

Lee added: "I am overwhelmed with the response with the page and I am very grateful to everyone who has donated.

"The neighbours have said that having the Christmas lights will be the heart of the street this Christmas.

"We have added a couple more this year like recent years so I hope people will enjoy them."

Any money donated that goes beyond Lee's £500 goal will be donated to Southampton Children's Hospital and local food banks.

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