The countdown to Christmas is officially on, with Cottam again at the centre of local celebrations.
Lighting the way is Cottam family the Tippings – dad Mark, mum Nicola and sons Sam (17), Joe (16) and 13-year-old Isaac – who despite the increase in energy bills are already busy festooning their home in Valentines Meadow with thousands of fairy lights.
Once the final touches have been put to their festive displays and magical Christmas grottos, they will have a grand switch-on at 6 pm on Sunday 27 November – an event that for the hundreds of people, who now turn out to
marvel at their handiwork, has become the official start of festive celebrations.
Read more: In pictures: The Tippings switch on their magical fundraising Christmas lights in Cottam
This will be the 11th year the family has trimmed up to raise funds for charities Rosemere Cancer Foundation, Derian House Children’s Hospice, Headway Central Lancashire and the Jordan Grant 18 Memorial Fund in support of CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young.
Over the last decade, appreciative visitors have donated £123,921.15 online via Just Giving and by putting loose change into a garden wishing well collection bucket.
For the last two years, the amount raised has been boosted by a collection among spectators at Cottam’s Charity Santa Parade, organised by Mark, Carolyn Gibson and their family and friends.
Read more: In pictures: Cottam residents take to the streets for annual charity Santa Parade
This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, December, starting at the end of Cottam Way/Lea Road roundabout around 5.30pm.
It will twice pass the Tippings’ home before stopping at the community centre for 15 minutes then ending in the car park at the Ancient Oak.
Santa and Mrs Claus will have their own truck, which will be followed by the Coca Cola truck, Lightning McQueen, the Ghostbusters’ car, the Christmas horse and lots of other festive characters.
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Mark Tippings said: “More than ever, we need something to celebrate right now and what better than Christmas.
“Our lights and the parade are about bringing joy to people of all ages as well as raising money for some very worthy local causes at a time when charities are struggling.
“The thing about what we do is that people can give just a few pence but because of the numbers that now come to see our lights and enjoy the parade, it adds up to make a real difference.”
Dan Hill, chief officer of Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: “The amount of money for ourselves and the other three good causes that Mark and his family have raised over the last 10 years is quite staggering.
“He has become Mr Christmas, Santa Claus to us and the other charities for his annual gift.”
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